President Muhammadu Buhari has said he had become the envy of other presidents because of the support his government had received from the private sector in addressing the social ills facing the country.
The president made the assertion yesterday in Abuja when he commissioned and handed security equipment valued at over N12 billion over to the military and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, he said the items were donated by the Coalition of Private Sector Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) – a group of eminent Nigerian industrialists, including Aliko Dangote and Herbert Wigwe, who had also pooled N40 billion to combat COVID-19 in the country.
He said, “Today is indeed a very happy day for all Nigerians, and I can happily say that I am the envy of many presidents in the world.
‘’I am exceedingly honoured to be the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at this time. I am gratified to have the honour of leading a country whose private sector willingly galvanises itself to raise funds to enthusiastically support the government in resolving social ills.
‘’I am proud to say that there is nowhere in the entire world, except in Nigeria, where the private sector has voluntarily come together to assist government efforts.’’
On behalf of the Nigerian populace, he thanked all members of CACOVID, the leadership team and technical committee for their support and patriotism.
‘’This final gesture from CACOVID as you wind down your activities is equally very important.
‘’Thank you for supporting our administration’s efforts to strengthen the Police and Military as we face the security challenges that all modern nations face.
‘’These 350 vehicles and thousands of vests and helmets you are handing over today will go a long way in boosting the capacity of our forces,’’ he said.
The president noted that such a patriotic gesture was proof that nationalistic determination is still alive in Nigeria, in the face of enormous challenges pervading the world and the country.
