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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Presidency Lists Rail, Road, Health Investments, Says Tinubu Not Neglecting North West

From The Punch · (4m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigerian Presidency refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu has neglected the North West region.
  • The administration highlighted significant investments in infrastructure, health, and transportation, including a $2 billion rail project to Niger Republic.
  • A tour by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors aims to showcase these achievements and counter negative perceptions.

The Nigerian Presidency, through its media arms, has forcefully countered narratives suggesting neglect of the North West region. In a pre-tour briefing in Abuja, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group closely linked to President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign, presented a robust defense of the administration's performance.

A lot of people are saying that the President has not kept his promise with the North. This is not correct.

โ€” Tunde RahmanSenior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, addressing claims of neglect.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, emphasized that the perception of neglect is "not correct." He pointed to substantial investments in road networks, health facilities, and transportation, specifically citing the Kano-Maradi rail project in Niger Republic, which is reportedly 60% complete. This project, he argued, demonstrates the President's commitment to the region.

You will see for yourselves the projects put in place by Mr President, he started in the North in the area of works, road networks, health facilities that have been built and transportation, like the rail system from Kano down to Maradi, the progress of work that has been done there.

โ€” Tunde RahmanHighlighting specific investments in the North West region.

The tour, Rahman explained, is designed to directly address an "information gap" that has allowed skepticism to fester. "If we donโ€™t blow our trumpet, no one will blow it for us," stated Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, underscoring the proactive approach to public relations. The administration believes that by bringing the media along to witness projects firsthand, they can dispel misinformation and highlight the tangible impact of their policies on the populace.

If we donโ€™t blow our trumpet, no one will blow it for us.

โ€” Bayo OnanugaSpecial Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explaining the need for the project showcase tour.

This initiative reflects a broader strategy to manage public perception and solidify support, particularly in regions where political narratives might be unfavorable. The emphasis on infrastructure, like the rail project connecting Nigeria to its neighbor, positions the administration as forward-thinking and focused on regional integration and economic development. From a Nigerian perspective, showcasing these projects is crucial for demonstrating governance effectiveness and fulfilling campaign promises, especially when facing criticism.

We are carrying the media along so they can see for themselves the many projects being done across the country, projects that have a direct impact on our people.

โ€” Bayo OnanugaExplaining the purpose of the media tour.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.