The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying a strong foundation for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity through his administration’s policy direction and development-focused initiatives.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Nigerians to rally behind the President in his efforts to address the country’s long-standing socio-economic challenges.
“By May 29, it will be exactly two years since President Tinubu assumed office. Though we are not yet where we desire to be, a journey has begun. The road is rough, but it is one of restoration,” Barau stated.
He noted that President Tinubu took office during a time of global economic instability, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, which have affected economies worldwide, including Nigeria.
According to the Deputy Senate President, the Tinubu administration has shown a genuine commitment to rebuilding critical sectors including power, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and housing. “Fresh air is already permeating every nook and cranny of the country to the admiration of well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, highlighted key achievements of the administration, especially in the area of national security. He cited the neutralisation of hundreds of terrorists in the North West and the decline in kidnapping incidents along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
“In the South East, the activities of unknown gunmen have significantly reduced. In the North East, Boko Haram has been nearly eradicated, barring recent isolated attacks. Our Armed Forces deserve commendation for their sacrifice and courage,” he said.
He further mentioned the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and boosting rural economies. States including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT are part of the first phase, with Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe selected for the second phase.
The lawmaker also applauded the establishment of regional development commissions, expressing optimism that they will fast-track grassroots development.
He highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway, which he said had stagnated for eight years under the previous administration, but is now receiving proper attention.
On education, Senator Barau praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a revolutionary step that has already benefitted thousands of students and alleviated financial burdens on families.
Barau emphasized that President Tinubu inherited a severely troubled economy, but has since made significant progress in attracting foreign investments, clearing foreign exchange backlogs, and addressing fiscal misalignments.
“I urge all Nigerians to support the President’s pro-masses initiatives. We have no other country but Nigeria. With the foundation already laid, we are, by God’s grace, on the path to prosperity,” he concluded.
