President Bola Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos. He stressed that their leadership at the subnational level is vital for achieving food security, economic prosperity, and rapid national growth.

Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a State House press release, informed that President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the governors for their support and collaboration, highlighting key areas that require joint effort for the nation’s progress. “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” he said, as noted by Onanuga. The President called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability. As Onanuga reported, Tinubu assured the governors that he is committed to local government development and autonomy, stressing its importance for grassroots development.

Tinubu urged governors to prioritize agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability. “We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.

The President also acknowledged the progress made by the governors across the states, saying, “There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of”.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, described President Tinubu’s declaration as Man of the Year by ThisDay newspaper as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies. He noted that the acknowledgement reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation. He welcomed his declaration as Man of the Year and commended the newspaper for recognizing “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success”.