I’ll rededicate myself to service of Nigeria – Buhari; Says ‘We must do more to educate our children; Mourns Ogbemudia

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja expressed gratitude to Nigerians for all the prayers and show of goodwill, pledging to rededicate himself to the service of the nation.
Addressing the country from the State House, shortly after arriving from London, President Buhari said he was fully committed to serving Nigeria and protecting the right of all citizens.
‘‘I am deeply grateful to all Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike who have prayed and have continued to pray for my good health.
‘‘This is a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced, Nigerians support the government in its effort to tackle our country’s challenges,’’ the President said.
He said his health had improved significantly, following the medical attention he received during his vacation in London.
‘‘The best way for me to repay you is to rededicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.
‘‘I am feeling much better now. There may, however be need for further follow up within some weeks,’’ he stated.

The President also called for more concerted effort in ensuring that all Nigerian children get good education in order to be relevant in a world driven by new technology.
Speaking to some governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs and senior government officials at the State House, shortly after his return from London, President Buhari said the world was fast changing, and more efforts must be made to equip the younger generation with relevant skills to compete in the global economy.
‘‘My single advice is that we must take education seriously, and we must do much more to educate our children,’’ he said.
He noted that the government would continue to discourage Nigerians from self-medication, urging those with discomforts to ensure they get proper diagnosis and doctor’s prescription for drugs. He lauded the quality of treatment he got during his medical vacation.
The President said he had been conscious of the challenges faced in repositioning the economy of the country, noting that it would receive more attention.
President Buhari said he was pleased with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who provided good leadership during his stay in London for medical attention.
The President said he had planned to take a vacation in January, 2017, after asking the Vice President to take a holiday in December, 2016.
President Buhari pointed that the team spirit with the Vice President would be further strengthened, in tackling the myriad challenges in the economy.

In his remark, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said it was satisfying for Nigerians and the Federal Executive Council to receive the President back in the country ‘‘hale and hearty’’.
“It is a day of joy not only for us but for the whole country, Africa and the world. Your arrival has vindicated our position that you will return safely,’’ he said.
The Vice President thanked the President for respecting the constitution and entrusting power to him before travelling, noting that it was a tough job ‘‘going around in borrowed robes’’.
The Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, also made remarks to welcome the President.

In a separate statement Friday, by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser (Media& Publicity), the President extended heartfelt condolences to the Ogbemudia family as well as the government and people of Edo State on the death of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, a former‎ governor of the defunct Midwest region and old Bendel State.

The statement said: “President Buhari joins them and other admirers in mourning the elder statesman who diligently served the country with courage and dedication at crucial moments in her history, both as military governor and a democratically elected civilian governor.

“The President believes that the late Ogbemudia, who had a distinguished career as a military officer, administrator and Federal Minister, has left an impressive legacy of hardwork, discipline and commitment to communal, state, regional and national development.

“The President recalls the unique role of the elder statesman in the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and trusts that, as a tireless advocate for equity, he will be long remembered and honoured for his dedication to the advancement of his people, especially in the fields of education, social welfare and infrastructure.

“President Buhari prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn the late Brig.-Gen. Ogbemudia and grant his soul eternal rest.”