FG Plans to Transform Nigeria’s Economy and Healthcare

By Achimi muktar

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to driving Nigeria’s economic resurgence and revolutionizing its healthcare system. Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with Mark Maloney, Chair of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, Shettima outlined the administration's bold strategies for growth under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Tinubu’s Revolutionary Leadership

Shettima lauded President Tinubu as a transformative leader making impactful decisions to reposition Nigeria for prosperity.

“He is a revolutionary leader who has made far-reaching decisions for the betterment of this country, unmatched in contemporary history,” Shettima said.

According to the Vice-President, the government is poised for an economic comeback, focusing on initiatives like combating desertification and deforestation through partnerships with organizations such as Rotary International.

“We need your support in aggressive environmental regeneration. It’s a win-win for all,” Shettima urged, referencing the Great Green Wall project aimed at addressing environmental challenges.

Education: A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Youth

Shettima underscored the importance of education in shaping Nigeria’s future, describing it as the “ultimate game changer.” With Nigeria's youthful demographics, education is key to unlocking the potential of the nation’s young population.

“Within a generation, the son of a pauper can be a celebrated icon through education,” he emphasized.

He pointed out Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s development, noting that one in four Black people globally is Nigerian.

“Nigeria is where the action is because Nigeria is where the human needs are more tremendous,” he added.

Healthcare Triumphs and Challenges

Mark Maloney commended Nigeria’s progress in eradicating the wild poliovirus, attributing this success to strong government partnerships.

“The Rotary Foundation has funded $34 million in health-related projects in Nigeria over the past year. We were pleased that the last case of wild poliovirus occurred in 2016, and Nigeria, along with Africa, was declared wild poliovirus-free,” Maloney said.

However, he noted the emerging challenge of vaccine-derived poliovirus and praised the government’s collaborative efforts with global organizations to combat it.

Private Philanthropy Making Waves

Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the life-changing impact of Rotary International and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. The latter pledged $5 million to address maternal mortality in Nigeria, aligning with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to crush maternal mortality,” Pate said, adding that philanthropic contributions are critical to achieving this goal.

He called on other wealthy Nigerians to follow Offor’s example by investing in the nation’s healthcare system.

A Renewed Commitment

Sir Emeka Offor pledged unwavering support for government healthcare initiatives, vowing to help make health services accessible and affordable across the country.

“We want to ensure the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actualized. I will stop at nothing to support the government in achieving its objective,” Offor said.

The Path Forward

As Shettima reaffirmed, the administration is focused on policies that not only stimulate economic growth but also address critical sectors like education, healthcare, and environmental regeneration. With a combination of visionary leadership, global partnerships, and private sector support, Nigeria is poised for a transformative era.

The question now remains: Can these bold plans translate into tangible results for millions of Nigerians? The coming months will tell.