Mrs Aisha Buhari, the First Lady of Nigeria, on Saturday apologised to its nationals over the level of the economy and security.
Mrs Buhari tendered the apology at a special Independence Day Anniversary Juma’at prayer and public lecture, themed ‘Shura: ‘The Islamic Foundation of True Democracy’, which took place at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja.
She, however, urged Nigerians to pray for a peaceful elections in 2023, adding that the citizens must unite to restore peace in the most troubled parts of the country.
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you may be aware that this government is making its exit and perhaps witnessing the last anniversary of the regime, I ask Nigerians to pray for a successful election and transition programme.
The regime might not have been a perfect one, but I want to seize this opportunity to seek forgiveness from the Ulamas and Nigerians in general. We all need to work together to achieve a better Nigeria.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, it is also noticeable that our Naira is being evaluated and the foreign exchange rate has affected our economy causing a lot of hardship and difficulties in terms of education, health and other day-to-day activities of our citizens.”
The First Lady appreciated the efforts of security agencies in fighting terrorism.
“I’m particularly happy that our security agents have stood up to the challenges of security more than ever before. And at the moment, their efforts have been pushing the effects of banditry, kidnapping and many other ills in the society.
I commend the efforts of our gallant security men and women and I want to pray for more successes in their operations,” Mrs Buhari said.
Adding to government’s efforts towards citizens’ welfare, she said her office had put many programmes in place like the agriculture sector, and entrepreneurship that would engage the youth and women.
She said;
“I, through my Aisha Buhari and Future Assured Foundation, have put in place deliberate efforts and programmes focused on improving the quality of women, youth and children.
Through this effect, I have empowered many communities. I appreciate all my partners and collaborators, the wives of the governors, the wives of service chiefs, my associates, well-wishers, and international bodies, that is, development partners, I thank them all.”
