President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attributed growing social unrest to inequalities and unfair policies that exclude the majority from opportunities for participation, admonishing world leaders and global investors to prioritize inclusive and humane policies.
Speaking at the 5th edition of the Future Investment Initiative Summit holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Buhari said his administration would keep encouraging public and private initiatives that increase investments in health, education, capacity building, youth empowerment, gender equality, poverty eradication, climate change and food security.
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Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Buhari, ‘By doing so, it will go a long way in reenergizing the global economy in a post-COVID-19 era.’
‘Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. Our economic reforms, which focus on “humane” investments, are ideal for investors looking to have profitable returns while positively impacting the citizenry.’‘Your Excellences, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Investing in Humanity is the right thing to do. I strongly believe the historical under investments in “humane projects” is the genesis of most of the insecurity and socio-economic challenges the world is experiencing today.‘Investing in humanity is investing in our collective survival. This is why we in Nigeria believe that public and private partnerships should focus on increasing investments in health, education, capacity building, youth empowerment, gender equality, poverty eradication, climate change and food security. By doing so, it will go a long way in reenergizing the global economy in a post-COVID-19 era.’
‘Nigeria’s population today exceeds 200 million people. Some 70 per cent are under 35 years old. When we came into government in 2015, we were quick to realize that the long-term peace and stability of our country is dependent on having inclusive and humane policies.’
‘In the past six years, our government took very painful but necessary decisions to invest for a long-term, prosperous future knowing very well that this will come with short term pains.’
Recall that Buhari arrived in Riyadh today.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK