Former President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented about the uncontrolled population growth in the country, saying the situation has become a matter for concern.
The immediate past President however said in spite of the situation in the country, he is pleased that more Nigerians have taken to the farm to grow more food so as to bring down the prices of food in the country.
Speaking to journalists shortly after joining the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground on Sunday, the former president said there was “need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, (uncontrolled population growth) as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
The President who wished all Nigerians a Happy Sallah, also prayed that this special festival of Eid-el-Kabir will bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone.
Buhari also used the occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria Self-reliant. “Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts.”
The former President also charged the youth of the country to seek the knowledge about “the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
Reflecting on the crowds at the Eid in Daura, the former President further expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying that “it will bring a lot of problems to future generations.
“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
He also noted that, “considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our brothers’s keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah.”
Also addressing members of the National Youth Service, NYSC who have maintained a tradition of paying homage to him every Sallah, the former president said “the scheme continues to be a strong fabric holding the country together and urged successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.”
He described the NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of state.
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