June 17, 2024
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the uncontrolled population growth in the country, saying the situation has become a matter for concern.
The immediate past president was, however, happy that despite the situation in the country, more Nigerians had taken to the farm to grow more food and bring down prices of food in the country.
Speaking to journalists after joining the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground yesterday, the former President said there was “need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem (population) and more investment in education and health.”
Wishing all Nigerians a blissful Sallah, the retired General also prayed that the festival would bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone.
He used the occasion to appeal to all citizens to make the country self-reliant.
“Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts,” he advised.
The former President also charged the youth to seek knowledge about “the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
Reflecting on the crowds at the Eid in Daura, he expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying that it would bring a lot of problems to future generations.
Addressing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who have maintained a tradition of paying homage to him every Sallah, Buhari said: “The scheme continues to be a strong fabric holding the country together and urged successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.”
He described the NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) as Head of State.
