President Bola Tinubu on Monday after inaugurating the Federal Executive Council at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja tasked members of the newly inaugurated FEC to see everything as a possibility in their ‘service dictionary’.
The president said the ministers have the capacity to make a difference in the ministries that they have been assigned to oversee and urged the new cabinet members to work hard to revive the country’s economy because Nigeria is in a difficult time.
The President said, “We shall evolve a homegrown re-engineering of our finances, a reimagined stewardship of our resources, and we will let the economy work for the people of this country.”
“There are so many things we can and will do. Yes, some cynics will say it is impossible. But in your own dictionary of service, everything is possible, and it must be possible.”
The president went further to express confidence in the fact that the new cabinet members know that his government is one that has a new mandate to deliver for Nigeria without any lamentation or excuses.
“We have the talent. We have the level of intellectual capacity required to turn this country around. We will make sure that the country is on the right path to succeed on behalf of more than 200 million Nigerians who rely on us,” the President said.
“You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and move ourselves to create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria,” he said.
“We have an employment rate that is unacceptable, and we are facing threats from climate change. In order to turn things around, you have been selected to perform your utmost best.
“Our policy implementation will reform the economy, ensure inclusive growth, and strengthen security for peace and prosperity. Without security, there can be no investment.
Tinubu reminded the council members that he is just one man and that their innovative thinking to solve problems would shape his leadership as a president who listens.
“It is in your hands now. I am ready to listen and to cooperate. I am ready even to be corrected. Only God is perfect,” he said.
“You have been asked to fetch water from a dry well. The challenges are great, but we will deliver for Nigerians. I am happy to be the captain of this vehicle.
“It is a great commitment that you have made to the country. Since your inauguration as a minister, you have become a servant for the people, serving all of the people, all of the time”, the President added.
Apart from the Ministers, other Council Members present at the inaugural Federal Executive Council Meeting include the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Head of Service and the Chief of Staff to the President.