A presidential retreat organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for ministers-designate is currently holding inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The retreat, tagged “Delivering change from precepts to practice,” is being attended by President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; all ministers-designate and other presidential aides and top government officials.
Immediately after Buhari delivered his opening remarks, the retreat went into a closed-door session.
Buhari, in his remarks, asked the ministers-designate to count themselves privileged to have been chosen among millions of their compatriots to be the drivers of the change that the ruling party promised Nigerians.
While admitting that the expectations of Nigerians from his administration were high, the President asked that the government officials’ determination to succeed must be equal to the nation’s challenges.
He recalled that his election was hinged on his promise to tackle corruption, insecurity and improve the economy. These, he promised to deliver on.
Buhari disclosed that diversification of the nation’s economy would be the focus of his government.
Accordiing to him, his administration would count its achievements based on the number of Nigerians it succeeded in moving out of poverty.
He further promised that his administration would uphold the rule of law and ensure that impunity was removed from governance.
He urged the ministers-designate to be ready to be vehicles to administer the change needed.
He stressed that clear and effective communication was important and urged that the ministers-designate should keep in touch with their colleagues and share information.