President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Wednesday for the United Kingdom, embarking on a two-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the president will use the time as a working vacation to reflect on his administration’s ongoing economic reforms.
Tinubu’s departure at exactly 2:35 p.m. came after he exchanged pleasantries with top government officials in the nation’s capital. He is expected to return after the leave expires.
Before his departure, Tinubu delivered a speech to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, during which he announced plans for a National Youth Conference to engage the country’s youth in shaping the future of the nation.
“We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognising that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects,” Tinubu said.
The President revealed that the government would soon introduce a 30-day conference aimed at addressing key issues affecting young people, such as education, employment, and social justice.
He emphasized the importance of including youth voices in shaping policies that directly impact their lives, saying, “This conference will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building.”
Tinubu also spoke on his administration’s reforms, stating that restructuring Nigeria’s political economy and defence architecture was essential for the nation’s survival.
He expressed determination to win the war against bandits and terrorists, ensuring that displaced farmers could return to their land and help curb the rising cost of food.
He concluded his Independence Day address by commending the resilience of Nigerians, saying, “This country has survived crises that disintegrated other nations. We remain strong and determined to overcome all challenges.”
