The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has expressed that President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is one of economic growth, prosperity for all, and an end to poverty. Speaking to State House Correspondents after the maiden meeting of the Federal Executive Council, the Minister highlighted the importance of the President’s vision for the entire Nigerian population.
During the meeting, careful consideration was given to the health and education sectors with the intention of revitalizing them. Prof. Pate emphasized, “The President’s vision is that of economic growth, prosperity for all, ending poverty. One element that is key and underlying all of those efforts is the people, Nigeria’s most important asset is its people, its youthful population and the human capital that is bestowed in that youthful population.”
Furthermore, the Minister noted that the President’s vision entails mobilizing the nation’s social capital as a means of transforming the country and its people. “Mr President’s vision includes the idea of harnessing the human capital of our youthful population, to achieve prosperity for everyone, to mobilize the social capital that is in our country, uniting us as a people, to drive this transformation that is his direction for the administration,” Prof. Pate stated.
He underscored the significance of health, education, and nutrition in driving economic growth and ensuring an inclusive economy. “Health, preventive diseases, but also quality of health, not only as an area that supports people to live healthier lives but healthier people also drive economic growth. Education, to ensure that people are not left behind, so that the child of anyone can aspire to the highest levels, so that we’ll have an inclusive economy,” the Minister explained.
In a bid to prioritize vulnerable populations, including girls, women, children, and disabled individuals, Prof. Pate emphasized that the government’s human capital agenda places importance on taking action to uplift these groups. He also emphasized the need for practical interventions that align with Nigeria’s national context.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed the readiness of the cabinet to take action in line with the President’s vision. “With those marching orders, we now have our jobs cut out for us and we’ll continue to define. The President has high expectations, and he urges us to ensure the high expectations of Nigerians are met, and I believe that the entire cabinet is enthused to follow the President’s directions and to start to deliver for Nigerians,” Prof. Pate declared.
