The Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair has said the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s aimed of focusing on security, economy, agriculture and power, described the intertwined areas which are critical to the development of any society.
Tony Blair who paid a visit to the President-elect at the Defence House, Abuja on Tuesday, expressed optimism that with appetite shown by investors to invest in Nigeria, Tinubu administration could get the support it needs to spur economic development in the country.
Blair, however, acknowledged the difficult task before Tinubu and other leaders, at a time of global turmoil. “Being in government anywhere in the world is tough. You have things happening around the world which affect you and for which you can’t do anything much,” he said.
British ex-Prime Minister, also expressed his readiness to support the incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in office, saying he has a project in place in Nigeria and felt it was incumbent upon him to meet Nigeria’s incoming president to understand the administration’s priorities.
“We would like to help in any way with your administration. We only need to know what the leadership priorities are and help in how to actualise them,” Blair told President-elect Tinubu.
President-elect Tinubu, in his response, expressed appreciation to Blair for the visit and for his offer to work with his administration.
He spoke of the shared vision between him and Tony Blair Institute in their priority areas, but underlined the importance of tackling investment challanges and the need for social investment to fight poverty.
“Yes, we are challenged. But where is our courage? We can eliminate ignorance, diseases and poverty in Africa. We must work hard to ensure democracy works for our people,” Tinubu said.
“We have to invest more, put technology in place and keep terrorists at bay because without effective security, there is no guarantee investors will come,” he added.
The president-elect promised to provide a conducive environment that would encourage investors and open up opportunities for the people.
Tinibu was accompanied to the meeting by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Vice President -elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; member of Tinubu Transition Team, Mr. Wale Edun.
Others are, former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru and Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Zacch Adedeji.