Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris says President Bola Tinubu is more determined than ever to address the current challenges facing the country.

Mr Idris stated this on Saturday in Abuja at a reception and fundraising dinner, organised in honour of the comptroller-general of customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who was recently elected as chairman of the World Customs Organisation.

The event, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), included fundraising for the construction of the institute’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Mr Adeniyi acknowledged that Nigeria faces several challenges, but urged Nigerians to unite in fighting them.

“I want to assure you that President Tinubu is determined more than ever before to bring an end to these challenges we have,” Mr Idris said.

The minister explained that Nigeria is passing through one of its toughest times.

“For me, what we are seeing is an opportunity to showcase who we really are. I think this is the time for Nigerians to come together, think and prove to the world that this is Nigeria.

“We can do this a lot better, no matter the challenges we have come through. This is not a time to despair or report Nigeria to organisations outside. This is the time for us to look for solutions to our problems,” the minister said.

He further explained that Mr Tinubu has given a directive to the security agencies to ensure that the kidnapped school children are rescued and reunited with their families.

Mr Idris added that the prices of foodstuffs are coming down, and other positive developments are being recorded in the country’s economic prosperity.

He said the Nigerian delegation to the U.S. is properly educating them on the true realities on ground.

Mr Idris described Mr Adenyi as a hardworking and diligent individual who is showcasing what Nigeria is all about.

Meanwhile, the president of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, congratulated Mr Adenyi on his election as the chairman of the World Customs Organisation.

“At a time when it is assumed that the reputation of Nigeria is going down, it is important for the world to know that we have given them the best chairman in Customs.

“And for that reason, we must celebrate what God has given to this nation in a manner that the world will know and stand up for us,” Mr Neliaku said.

Also speaking, the former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, expressed concern over the cases of abductions in the country and admonished the government to use wisdom in addressing the challenges.

Mr Gana called for proper education and respect for democracy in the country, stressing that democracy should not be destroyed.

Responding, Mr Adeniyi urged more protection of Nigeria’s image, stating,
“What is happening now requires all of us as individuals in the different ecosystems we operate, starting from the simplest of all; we all have a WhatsApp group we belong to where we talk about the country. We need to defend our country.

“There are some interests that have begun to show that they also have something at stake in our country. Our stake is bigger than theirs, because this is our country. I urge us to take this as our own fight, not just for the Minister and the Military.”

Representatives from the governments of Nasarawa, Jigawa, and Zamfara, former presidents of NIPR, the former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu, traditional leaders, and many others attended the event.

(NAN)