Tinubu urges civil society groups to prioritise national interest
President Bola Tinubu has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to align their activities with Nigeria’s development priorities, urging them to promote the national interest and resist foreign influence capable of undermining the country’s sovereignty.
The President made the call on Wednesday through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit held in Lagos.
Addressing participants at the summit, themed “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” Tinubu urged civil society groups to work more closely with government in advancing sustainable development, strengthening good governance and accelerating human capital development.
He commended CSOs for their contributions during national emergencies, particularly their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flood disasters, describing their efforts as patriotic and vital to national development.
The President identified food security and climate resilience as priority areas requiring stronger collaboration between government and civil society.
He urged organisations to support farmers and fishing communities, promote climate-smart agricultural practices and help protect wetlands and mangrove ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by flooding.
According to the President, achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda will require deeper partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations and local communities to drive sustainable development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
