President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja today for a two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom, his first since assuming office. The vacation, which doubles as a retreat, will offer the president time to reflect on the economic reforms his administration has introduced. According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president will return to Nigeria at the end of his leave.
In his Independence Day speech, Tinubu announced the introduction of a 30-day National Youth Conference, aimed at including the youth in governance and policy-making. The conference will serve as a platform for Nigerian youths, who constitute over 60% of the population, to engage in dialogue and contribute to nation-building efforts. Key issues to be addressed include education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.
Tinubu emphasized that the recommendations from the conference would be taken seriously, as part of his administration’s commitment to a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. He reiterated the need for reforms in the political economy and security sectors, and expressed confidence in the Nigerian people’s resilience despite numerous challenges.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to combat terrorism and banditry, aiming to secure farmland for displaced farmers to help reduce food prices.
