OPENING REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, AT THE ECONOMIST MAGAZINE'S NIGERIA SUMMIT ON TUESDAY, 18TH MARCH, 2013.
PROTOCOLS
It gives me great pleasure, being here at this Summit with you all today, to deliberate on our vision for transforming Nigeria into a global economic power. I am specially honoured to warmly welcome His Excellency, President Lula Da Silva, an icon of development, under whose astute leadership, Brazil emerged a global economic power. His enormous wealth of experience and outstanding leadership qualities, will undoubtedly enrich this discussion. President Dilma Roussef's visit to Nigeria last month, provided the opportunity for Brazil and Nigeria to reinforce the cordial and friendly relations between our people and countries, through several economic and cultural agreements.
Many in this audience are aware that soon after being sworn in as President in May 2011, following an election that was adjudged Nigeria's freest and fairest, I unveiled a Transformation Agenda. This Agenda outlined plans, policies, and programmes, to promote job creation, engender private sector-led inclusive growth, and create a feasible enabling environment for enterprises to thrive. Our ultimate goal is to have everyone occupied in development and improve the standard of living of our citizens. Central to this Transformation Agenda, is the creation of a politically stable environment as the bedrock for economic and social progress. To this end, my administration is strengthening our democratic institutions, particularly electoral bodies, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are certain that with consistent support that will enhance their independence, our electoral body will continue to conduct free and fair elections that give credibility to our democratic superstructure. The recently concluded governorship elections in Ondo and Edo states as well as last Saturday's local council elections in the FCT, support our optimism and hope in our future.
Our economic transformation efforts are not without major security challenges. It is important for the business and international communities to recognise that these security challenges are part of a rising global phenomenon. Terrorist groups operating within the country are increasingly linked to other groups operating internationally. Regardless of origin and linkages, domestic and international, my administration is resolutely committed to finding sustainable solutions to this threat.
The first of our three pronged approach to addressing this menace comprises the strengthening of counter-terrorism cooperation with neighbouring countries. Now, more than ever before, international partners like the UK, USA, and France are giving requisite support, and this united approach is already producing notable results. No doubt, the key to an enduring solution to this scourge ultimately lies with concerted efforts at both the domestic, sub-continental and global levels. Read More
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