Former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed concern about what he described as “uncontrolled population growth” in the country, saying it has the potential to bring a lot of problems to future generations.
He stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after joining the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground on Sunday.
Buhari, while reflecting on the massive crowds at the Eid in Daura, said: “There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
The former president, according to statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, expressed happiness that more Nigerians have taken to the farm to grow more food so as to bring prices down and feed the nation.
He appealed to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant, saying: “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.”
Buhari, while wishing everyone a happy Sallah, filled with joy, prosperity and wonderful health, added tht considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, Nigerians should continue to help one another and be their bothers’ keepers.
Speaking to 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.
As with every year, the former president presented a cow, 10 bags of rice, and some cash to the NYSC members to celebrate the festivity.
