President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the Federal Government would encourage and facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to promote made in Nigeria goods.
Buhari, who made the remark during the 9th Bola Tinubu Colloquium with the theme: ‘Make It in Nigeria: Use What We Make, Make What We Use’, which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, maintained that this was part of his administration’s overall national economic policy.
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt.Gen. Abdulraham Dambazau (rtd), stressed that the theme of the colloquim was apt as it was a desirable and necessary policy for the country.
“The government is serious in facilitating industries to make what we can locally and import only what is strategic to our development plans,” he said.
He noted that it was high time Nigeria looked inward to develop its economy.
He added the government was looking forward to receiving proposals from discussions at the colloquim with a view to incorporatng it into the national economic policy.
The President described Tinubu as an outstanding politician, a great mobiliser, one who is effective in conceiving and planning governmental policies.
“Chief Bola Tinubu is an outstanding Yoruba politcian of his generation,” he said.
Also, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State described Tinubu as a great political product and a successful leader who had mentored many leaders in the country.
Ambode likened him to a coconut which was blessed with the divine task to be fruitful and useful to humanity, versatile and courageous; one which could bear fruit for a long time.
“Like the coconut, some bye-products and fruits will get bad along the way or after being sold in the market. In actual fact, the political product may not be the favourite of some other people.
“The bottom line, however, is simple. If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were a coconut; I dare say, with all simplicity, I would be among the front liners who will eat, drink and sleep B.A.T. 24/7.
“The test of a successful leader is in the number of leaders that he has created. Using this globally accepted parameter, Asiwaju, at 65, is without doubt, a winner in this category,” Ambode said.
Some notable dignatries at the event included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, former and serving governors, Senators, politicians, entrepreneurs, among others.
