#DemocracyDay2020: 10 most important things President Buhari said in Democracy Day broadcast

Buhari Democracy Day broadcast focused on government’s achievements

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday morning addressed the nation on the celebration of June 12, 2020, Democracy Day. Here are 10 mos things he said during his speech.

1. EDUCATION: Buhari said the Nigerian government and its agencies on education still prioritise basic education for Nigerians. The President disclosed that the administration is committed to quality free education and compulsory basic education for the first 9 years of schooling. There are specialized funds arranged to provide education via Public-Private Partnership as well as the provision of infrastructure and collaboration with the private sector to create jobs.

2. AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY: The GROW WHAT WE EAT and EAT WHAT WE GROW campaign is still on. Agriculture shall be catered for through this programme to protect farming investments. The Agri-business sector shall continue to enjoy the support of the government through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s Anchor Borrowers programme. He also specified the provision of 5,000 Agro-Rangers and 30,289 paramilitary agents in order to secure food security.

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3. AVIATION: Buhari said the Lagos-Ibadan railway project is 90% completed and that other rail projects in the country are ongoing. He also noted that the Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt airport terminals are being expanded, while there is the rehabilitation of the Enugu airport terminal.

4. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: The issue of rape did not escape the President’s attention in the Democracy Day broadcast as he tasked the police to bring perpetrators to justice. He said that his administration treasures women and gives priority to their welfare. The President added that his administration will continue to give them a place of pride in the affairs of our country.

5. ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY: Buhari said his government will continue the implementation of accountability and transparent policies through the Open Government Partnership and the transparency portal on financial transactions. The government, he said, has also strengthened auditing and accountability mechanisms to ensure rules and regulations are strictly followed.

6. HEALTHCARE: Buhari said in the broadcast that there is an ongoing mechanism to overhaul a nationwide public health care system that will help overcome coronavirus pandemic and in the preparation for a future outbreak.

7. SECURITY: The government, Buhari said, has not relented in its efforts to crush the insurgency in the northeast. He affirmed that all local government areas in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States have been recovered from the insurgents and banditry, and other forms of criminality are also on the decline.

8. JOB CREATION: Buhari said his government will continue to make an effort to create more jobs. He mentioned that there is a target to create jobs at reducing the impact of COVID-19 on youths, with the employment of 774,000 openings. Youths will be engaged in the Special Public Works Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of economic downturn with 774 local government areas having 1,000 slots. He also articulated the provision of 549, 500 jobs through N-Power.

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9. PRESS FREEDOM: He maintained that the government will continue to guarantee freedom of the Press as a high premium is placed on responsible journalism that is devoid of hate speech, fake news, and other unethical professional conduct.

10. COVID-19 THREAT TO DEMOCRACY: The President said that we should remember that notwithstanding our aspiration, humanity and indeed democracy is under the threat of coronavirus pandemic. “It is therefore imperative to take caution by observing the guidelines to curtail its spread,” he said.

Read the full speech here