Nigeria Has The Fastest Growing Economy In Africa – Buhari

The president’s assertion is coming on the heels of the economic meltdown besetting the country, following the inflation in all spheres of the economy as a result of the continuous fall in the country’s currency amidst other factors.

Buhari, who said this during a keynote address at the public presentation of a book, ‘Nigerian Century’ written by Dare Babarinsa, in Abuja, added that the country’s dominance stems from the tremendous energy and resourcefulness of Nigerians.

According to him, with the proper harnessing of abundant human and natural resources in the country, it would attain its greatness.

He said, “Today, our country has the fastest growing economy in Africa and one of the fastest in the world. Our dominance is not so much because of our wealth, but because of the tremendous energy and resourcefulness of our people.

“How many countries of the world can parade the likes of Professor Wole Soyinka, Jay Jay Okocha, King Sunny Ade and Alhaji Aliko Dangote literally under the same roof?” he asked.

Represented by former governor of Ekiti State and deputy chairman of All Progressives Congress in the South, Segun Oni, Buhari noted that only a Nigerian could have given meaning to the indomitable spirit, boundless energy, collective creativity, cultural diversity and unique sense of enterprise of Nigerians.

He said: “Yes, our land is blessed by providence with riches in oil and gas, iron ore, gold, limestone and almost all the minerals of this earth.

“Our soil can grow almost any crop and our vegetation supports animal life as varied as creation can manifest.

The President hailed former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan for nurturing the country’s democracy for the past 16 years.

He said: “We are in debt to the founding fathers of our Republic, Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and many other heroes of the anti-colonial struggle.

“They hoisted for us the banner of freedom that we are still enjoying till today. As President, the experience of each of my predecessors as Chief of State has provided a guiding map for us in moments of hard decisions and when we have to embrace the loneliness of power.

‘’The 12 men: Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Muhammed, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Sani Abacha, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Mallam Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, each had the unique experience of modulating and moderating the sometimes turbulent temper of our great country.”