Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s uncontrolled population growth, calling it a significant issue that requires urgent attention. Speaking to journalists after joining the Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Umar Faruk, for Eid prayers at the township Eid ground, Buhari emphasized the necessity for increased dialogue and awareness regarding the population growth problem.
Buhari highlighted the importance of investing more in education and health to address the challenges posed by rapid population growth. He acknowledged the efforts of Nigerians who have turned to farming to increase food production, which helps in reducing food prices and alleviating some economic pressures.
In his remarks, Buhari wished all Nigerians a Happy Sallah, expressing his hopes that the Eid-el-Kabir festival would bring joy, prosperity, and good health to everyone. His comments underscore the critical need for strategic planning and investment in key sectors to manage the country’s growing population effectively.
Buhari also used the occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria Self-reliant. “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.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts.”
The former President also charged the youth of the country to seek the knowledge about “the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
Reflecting on the crowds at the Eid in Daura, the former President further expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying that “it will bring a lot of problems to future generations.
There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
He also noted that, “considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our brothers’s keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah.”
Also addressing members of the National Youth Service, NYSC who have maintained a tradition of paying homage to him every Sallah, the former president said “the scheme continues to be a strong fabric holding the country together and urged successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.”
He described the NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of state.
