Abuja: Minister of Information Mohammed Idris says President Bola Tinubu is more determined than ever to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
Idris stated this on Saturday at a reception and fundraising dinner organised in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
It can be recalled that Adeniyi was recently elected as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation.
The event, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), included fundraising for the construction of the Institute’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Idris described Adenyi as a hardworking and diligent individual who is going places and showcasing what Nigeria is all about.
The Minister explained that Nigeria is passing through one of its most challenging times.
“For me, what we are seeing is an opportunity to showcase who we really are. This is the time for Nigerians to come together, believe and prove to the world that this is Nigeria.
“We can do this a lot better, no matter the challenges we have come through. This is not a time to despair or report Nigeria to organisations outside. This is the time for us to look for solutions to our problems.
“Yes, we have challenges and acknowledge that we do, but let us come together and fight it.
“I want to assure you that President Tinubu is determined more than ever before to bring an end to these challenges we have,” Idris said.
He further explained that Tinubu has given a directive to the security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped school children are rescued and reunited with their families.
Idris added that food prices are coming down, and other positive developments are being recorded in the country’s economic prosperity.
He said that Nigeria’s delegation to the U.S. is properly educating them on the actual realities on the ground.
Meanwhile, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, congratulated Adenyi on his election as the Chairman of the World Customs Organisation.
“At a time when it is assumed that the reputation of Nigeria is going down, it is essential for the world to know that we have given them the best Chairman in Customs.
“And for that reason, we must celebrate what God has given to this nation in a manner that the world will know and stand up for us,” Neliaku said.
Also speaking, the former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, admonished Adeniyi to continue the good work and do even more.
He, however, expressed concern over the cases of abductions in the country and admonished the government to use wisdom in addressing the challenges.
Gana called for proper education and respect for democracy in the country, stressing that democracy should not be destroyed.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso, said the Customs under Adeniyi has done so well and surpassed its target.
Izonaso appreciated Idris and commended Neliaku for the good works they are doing for the NIPR.
Responding, Adeniyi expressed appreciation to all the speakers at the event and pledged to continue doing his best to promote Nigeria’s image and reputation.
“However, it would be wrong for us to leave building and protecting the image of Nigeria to the Minister of Information and National Orientation alone.
“What is happening now requires all of us as individuals in the different ecosystems we operate in, starting from the simplest of all; we all have a WhatsApp group we belong to where we talk about the country. We need to defend our country.
“There are some interests that have begun to show that they also have something at stake in our country. Our stake is bigger than theirs, because this is our country. I urge us to take this as our own fight, not just for the Minister and the Military,” Adeniyi said.
Representatives from the governments of Nasarawa, Jigawa and Zamfara, former presidents of NIPR, former governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, traditional leaders, and many others attended the event.
