President Bola Tinubu says democracy must be progressive and inclusive, primarily focusing on addressing poverty by providing job opportunities for youths and quality education for all Nigerian children.

Receiving members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday in Lagos, Mr Tinubu expressed support for the party’s establishment of the National Institute of Progressive Studies.

The president noted that the Institute is expected to conduct diligent research and educate all party members on the principles of democracy and good governance while providing a distinct identity for the party.

“Democracy has faced challenges in the past, but I believe in a promising future for our country. We will deliver it. I am committed to supporting a strong and ideologically determined democracy that is progressive, inclusive, and focused on eliminating poverty while providing quality education for our children.

“Collaboration with various government arms is crucial, and I commend the leadership of our party for working hard to promote these essential ideals,” stated Mr Tinubu.

The president called on the party’s leadership to target more youths and women in its e-registration and digital membership validation exercise scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.

“I stand solidly with you in the advancement of the progressive ideological stance of our party, and we will pursue it with vigour,” he stated.

Mr Tinubu thanked members of the party for the overwhelming show of support for him during the campaigns, the electoral victory, and the affirmation of his presidency by the Supreme Court.

“It has been a while since we have had the opportunity to come together, especially since the Supreme Court ruling. I had hoped for a gathering, but the demanding tasks of my office that we fought for have called for increased focus, dedication, and time,” the president explained.

Expressing concern about the alarming figure of out-of-school children in the country, Mr Tinubu said, “We must address this issue by establishing more schools, recruiting teachers, and providing at least one meal a day for the school children, aligning with the progressive ideology we aim to pursue.”

APC national chair Abdullahi Ganduje informed the president that plans were underway to ensure the party’s success in the coming by-elections into national and state legislative houses in February 2024.

“We assure Your Excellency that under our leadership and with your consent, strategies have been put in place to win the support of our people and secure all the seats available for the electoral contest,” Mr Ganduje said.

(NAN)