During the 50th anniversary lecture of PUNCH Nigeria Limited held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed a message of assurance to Nigerians, promising a shift in the narrative surrounding current hardships within the next year.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Idris acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians but expressed optimism for a positive turnaround in the near future. He emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises and appealed for patience amidst the ongoing difficulties.
“While acknowledging the existing challenges, we envision a scenario where significant improvements will manifest within the next twelve months,” stated the minister.
Idris encouraged Nigerians to adopt the approach advocated by Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who typically waits for at least a year before assessing a new government’s performance.
Drawing from Soyinka’s perspective, Idris emphasized the importance of giving the current administration sufficient time to implement its policies and effect meaningful change.
Addressing the government’s concerted efforts to navigate the nation out of its current predicament, the minister highlighted recent high-level discussions involving key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. He cited a recent meeting attended by industry captains such as Dangote, BUA, and Elumelu, along with ministers, where strategies for national improvement were extensively deliberated.
“The collaborative efforts witnessed in recent engagements signify a shared belief among stakeholders that Nigeria is poised for positive transformation,” affirmed the minister.
In conclusion, Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation across all sectors to pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria.