The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) recently hosted the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, on their Hannu da Yawa flagship live Phone-In programme in Kaduna. During the programme, Idris discussed various topics, including President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
Idris spoke about Tinubu’s administration’s efforts towards ensuring food security in the country. He highlighted that farmers are the direct beneficiaries of the measures and programmes that have been rolled out, which is a significant shift from previous practices where programmes would end up benefiting those who had no connection with farming. The administration’s focus on dry season farming and restructuring loans and interventions for agriculture is a testament to its commitment to enhancing productivity in the sector.
The minister also addressed concerns about abandoned projects in the northern part of the country. He explained that no responsible government would abandon projects that had already received funding. Idris assured listeners that projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the Mambilla Power Project were still ongoing. He did acknowledge that there may be delays in their completion, but they were not abandoned.
On the topic of security, Idris discussed the ongoing talks about creating state police, which the president has revived due to its importance. He emphasized the need for economic growth and development, especially in the agricultural sector. Idris also expressed concern over how the media tends to focus more on the activities of criminals and terrorists, rather than highlighting the successes achieved by the armed forces and other security agencies.
Idris addressed the issue of fuel subsidy removal and reminded listeners of Tinubu’s provision of wage allowances and other palliatives for the poor and vulnerable households. He also disclosed that the administration would soon inaugurate conversion centres for cars using petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across the federation, to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Finally, Idris reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption and urged the public to be patient with the administration. He assured listeners that the government had numerous viable programmes and measures in the works aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
