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Anniversary : CG NHFSS hails Tinubu, Shettima
The Commander General of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), Ambassador Joshua Osatimehin, has extended his congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of their one-year anniversary in office.
In a statement released in Abuja, Ambassador Osatimehin praised the “renewed hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration, highlighting significant progress in various sectors such as infrastructure, security, immigration, aviation, health, education, and economic growth.
Osatimehin noted a marked decrease in violent incidents and attacks, especially in previously volatile regions like the North East, Middle Belt, and South East. He attributed this to a significant increase in budget allocations for defense and security, with 3.25 trillion naira designated for these areas in the 2024 budget.
“The administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security apparatus is evident,” Osatimehin remarked.
He emphasized the overhaul of internal security architecture and investment in modern equipment and training for security personnel as pivotal reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The NHFSS Commander General also highlighted Nigeria’s enhanced role in regional security through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where the country has been instrumental in mediating and resolving conflicts.
Osatimehin commended President Tinubu’s support for the establishment of state police and the directive for state governors to set up Forest Rangers to combat forest crimes. He reiterated NHFSS’s commitment to complementing other security agencies in safeguarding lives and properties, particularly in forested areas, and urged the President to approve the NHFSS Bill to further this mission.
In terms of infrastructure, Osatimehin praised the inauguration of the newly reconstructed Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota-Oshodi expressway and the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. He also commended the flag-off of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans nine states, and other significant road projects.
On healthcare, Osatimehin lauded the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, which aims to engage young Nigerian fellows in all 774 local government areas to upgrade primary healthcare centers nationwide.
He also highlighted the administration’s economic policies, including the financing of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the introduction of a student loan scheme.
Ambassador Osatimehin called for national unity and support for the renewed hope agenda, urging Nigerians to transcend tribal, religious, and political differences to achieve collective progress. He appealed to politicians to avoid divisive tactics and focus on the aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.