Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep concern over the rising food prices in Nigeria, attributing it to the uncontrolled population growth. Despite the challenges, he found some comfort in the fact that many Nigerians have returned to farming to combat this issue.
Speaking after joining the Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Umar Faruk, for Eid prayers at the township Eid ground, Buhari emphasized the need for more discussions on population growth. He also highlighted the importance of investing in education and health to address this issue.
Buhari wished all Nigerians a Happy Sallah, hoping the Eid-el-Kabir festival would bring joy, prosperity, and good health to everyone. He appealed to citizens to strive for self-reliance by growing their own food. “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,” he urged.
The former president acknowledged the efforts of successive governments in laying the foundation for a prosperous and stable country. He encouraged the youth to continue playing an active role in nation-building efforts. Buhari also advised young people to learn about the nation’s founding fathers and important regional personalities to draw inspiration from them.
Reflecting on the large crowds at the Eid in Daura, Buhari reiterated his concerns about unchecked population growth. “It will bring a lot of problems to future generations,” he warned. He called for increased discussion and awareness about the problem, along with more investment in education and health.
In the spirit of Sallah, Buhari urged Nigerians to help one another and be their brothers’ keepers. He wished everyone a happy Sallah, hoping the festival would bring joy to all.
Addressing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who traditionally pay homage to him every Sallah, Buhari praised the scheme for its role in holding the country together. He described NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of State and urged future administrations to continue strengthening it.
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