L-R: Sen. Danjuma Goje; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle and Sen. Uche Ekwunife, when the US Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Senate President in his office...yesterday. Photo: –
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Another window of support in the fight against Boko Haram was opened for Nigeria yesterday by the United States of America (USA).
US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, who dropped the hint during a courtesy visit on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said he has already spoken to the Buhari Muhammadu-led administration on new ways of fighting the insurgency.
He said:”No other country of the world is doing more than US in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria. I have spoken to the new administration on new ways of fighting insurgency.
”We have been helping in fighting Boko Haram for years and we will continue to assist the country in that fight, I can assure you.”
Entwistle assured the Senate President of adequate cooperation and support in the areas of insecurity, powers supply, human empowerment and investment opportunities.
He expressed hope about the future of Nigeria.
“I am optimistic about the future of this country, especially when I meet
young Nigerians. Their energy, their zeal and prowess indicate that Nigeria will be great,” Entwistle said.
On strategic business initiatives, the ambassador revealed that the areas of focus should be on agricultural businesses.
”Like the Senate President said, our biggest industry in US is in the oil companies. But it seems to me that the areas we should focus on is agric business.
”To US, which seems to me a likely one, I think a lot can be done in areas such as environmentally friendly energy. I know there are a lot of American industries that deal on solar energy,” he said.
He also disclosed that there are lots of programmes focusing on youths.
”You have seen the president of AMAC announced what we called Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI). So, we do it a lot, but I have to turn the question around, what is Nigeria doing to develop young people in this country? That’s the first step and it is only then that we can see how we can help,” he added.
Addressing the ambassador, Saraki gave hope of a brighter Nigeria when he promised legislations that would sustain an investment friendly atmosphere, so as to bring back the country out of economic doldrums.
”With the much abundant resources embedded in the nation, we are confident of the fact that we will meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians from all facets of life,” he observed.
He described his guest’s visit as prompt and coming at a time the nation is preparing to re-address most of the challenges militating against its developmental goals.
Saraki highlighted the hallenges that are impeding the progress of the country, ranging from epileptic power supply, insecurity, unemployment and revenue leakages.
He, however, affirmed that the present administration is concerned about the well-being of Nigeria.
“This 8th Senate has the mandate to give to Nigerians the dividends
of democracy. We will put in place comprehensive systems to make our revenues meet our needs. Our oversight functions would be strengthened in such a way that there will be no room for loopholes in implementing government plans and projects.
“I can assure you that Nigeria will continue to be attractive to investment opportunities. We have the human capital and with our younger generation’s steadfastness, training and development, our much needed goals would be achieved,” he added.
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