President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the confirmed ministers should consider it a privilege to serve the country at this point in time.
The President spoke on Thursday while flagging off a two-day retreat for the 36 ministers-designate in Abuja. President Buhari charged them to give their best towards ensuring the success of his government.
He restated the priorities of his administration, namely: the diversification of the economy, tackling of insecurity and fighting corruption. He advised the incoming ministers to key into his objectives.
The retreated which was themed: ‘Delivering Change from Precepts to Practice’, the programme held at the presidential villa, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and other top government officials in attendance.
“My election was hinged on the promise to tackle corruption, insecurity, revive the economy and bring change. As ministers, you must be the vehicle that will administer the change,” he said.
“The objective of this retreat is clearly reflected in the choice of topics which you will be dealing with during the sessions. The need for observing the rule of law is being emphasised to ensure that impunity is removed from the system of government.
“It is expected that we make the running of government at all levels as lean as possible, avoid waste and conserve resources. Diversification of the economy away from oil will be a major focus of this government.
“We will intervene in mining and agriculture and upgrade the country’s physical and social infrastructure, which will broaden our revenue base and significantly improve the level of employment, especially among the youth.”
The retreat is organised by the secretary to the government of the federation in conjunction with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
