Auchi (Edo) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday at Iyamho, near Auchi, Edo, said that over-reliance on a mono-cultural economy had failed Nigeria, hence, his administration’s emphasis on diversification.
Buhari made the statement during the inauguration of Edo State University, Iyamho.
He said that the country’s present economic hardship was the result of past mistakes of government operating a mono-cultural economy.
The president said that Nigeria could get revenue from agriculture, adding that there was a need to return to the land and explore other benefits, such as the abundant mineral resources.
He noted that it was time to rebuild Nigeria.
The president said his administration’s focus was on security, the economy and the fight against corruption, adding: ‘’I can assure you that as a government, we have made success in each of them.”
He appreciated Gov. Adams Oshiomhole for his successful eight-year rule in Edo, which comes to an end on Saturday.
Buhari said that the quality of projects he had so far inaugurated in the state in the education, health and road sectors were of high standard.
He commended the foresight and integrity of the governor to have embarked on the developmental projects.
He also congratulated the governor-elect of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on his election victory.
Buhari said he believed that multi-party system was best for a country like Nigeria.
He said that as a nation with over 250 million population, differences of opinion and beliefs were bound to arise from time to time.
The president said the country had remained united through the grace of God and re-affirmed the government’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
Earlier, Oshiomhole said that because sound education was the bedrock of development, his administration established the university.
Oshiomhole assured the people that the institution would not depend on government for funding.
The Nigerian Observer reports that the first set of students of the institution, the second owned by the Edo Government, matriculated on June 11.
