‘The Change You Desire Starts With You,’ Buhari Tells Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the change Nigerians “desire actually starts with us as individuals.”

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 40 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State, yesterday, Buhari said leaders alone are not responsible for the current problems facing the country.

He further pledged his administration’s resolve to return Nigeria to the path of peace and prosperity.

Buhari said, “May I assure you of this administration’s effort to return our country on the path of peace and prosperity.

“I made three key promises to Nigerians. First is to address the various security challenges facing our country; second, to reposition our economy and third to fight the serious challenge of corruption, which had eaten so deep into the very fabric that sustains our nation.

“On the issue of security, we recognise that security challenges abound in all countries of the world, including Nigeria. I am certain, with the consistent efforts of our security agencies; these challenges shall be considerably mitigated and minimized.

“The change we desire in Nigeria actually starts with us as individuals. In Nigeria, there is the tendency to lay the blame for the state of affairs in the country on the doorsteps of leaders alone.

“Yes, leaders have a major role to play in providing direction and the enabling environment. However, the citizens’ role also is vital in attaining meaningful transformation of any society.”