REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HIS EXCELLENCY, (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, AT THE GREATWAVES CONVENTION & AWARD – CALABAR 2017, HELD AT TINAPA CALABAR, ON DECEMBER 30, 2017.
PROTOCOL.
1.It is indeed a pleasure to be here today on the invitation of the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Nigeria for the Greatwaves Convention & Award (TGWACA), which, I am told, is the anniversary brand of DESTINATION AFRICA – Network for Peace and Sustainable Development. I thank His Excellency, Ambassador Emmanuel Mpfayokurera, the distinguished Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, for the kind invitation extended to me.
2.It is always a delight to identify with the work of an impactful organisation such as DESTINATION AFRICA NPSD, which is a trailblazer in peace development, transformational leadership and youth entrepreneurial innovations on the continent.
3.It is heartening to note that this very valuable network extends around the entire globe – engaging leaders to meet, share ideas and collaborate to devise new ways forward for Africa to be rid of disease and poverty. I am also excited by the work being done by the Network to champion programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering values, good governance and innovations, with a view to bringing about a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
4.Let me congratulate the organisers of TGWACA Calabar 2017 for this wonderful platform that is designed to tackle economic and developmental challenges in Africa by strengthening continental partnerships and entrepreneurial cooperation to boost innovation and transformational leadership.
5.It is pertinent to observe that this is in tandem with the 8th National Assembly’s focus on making a paradigm shift from oil, to truly diversify our economy into the non-oil sector, which accounts for up to 92 per cent of the country’s GDP. Over the past year, the Senate has conducted an Economic Legislative Agenda to promote economic growth in the country, as well as job creation. Much of this effort is geared towards strengthening the role of the private sector and boosting investor confidence. Our showing in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking for 2018, which saw Nigeria move up 24 places, is a sure sign that we are getting some things right and creating an enabling environment that engenders greater investor confidence.
6.One of our primary goals in the National Assembly is to reduce government intervention in sectors that are traditionally guided by market forces. This will help create more of the industries needed for the job growth and economic stability. To this end, several of the Senate’s priority economic bills are making their way to final passage in both Chambers of the National Assembly.
7.Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, available statistics show that the some 70 per cent of Nigeria’s teeming population is under the age of 30. We are therefore mindful of the need to usefully engage youths, so that their entrepreneurial skills as well as potential for innovation can come to the fore. Earlier this month, I and my colleagues in the 8th Senate convened a Special Youth Public Hearing to hear directly from youth groups about how the laws we make can be better designed to meet their needs. We also shared ideas on how to stimulate job creation, with a view to coming up with a roadmap on what needs to be done.
8.The youth and innovation focus of this convention is very commendable, therefore. Let me assure you all that the National Assembly stands ready to support processes such as this convention, in achieving their goals. Furthermore, we remain committed to doing everything we can to support the growth and development of Nigeria, for the benefit of all our people.
9.I believe that it is in recognition of the work of the entire members of the National Assembly that you are giving me the Greatwaves Award Calabar 2017 in honour of The People’s Mandate. I accept the award in that spirit, and thank you for your kindness in conferring it.
10.I wish you a successful convention in Calabar, the City of Carnival. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday period and a happy new year ahead.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE.
