Tinubu urges unity in terrorism fight, launches resettlement for vi

The President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to join hands together in solidarity against the common threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping that undermine the nation’s collective well-being, saying that the nation has endured too much.

The President made the call on Friday while performing the groundbreaking for the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts at Tudun Biri community, a Kaduna village accidentally bombed by a military drone in December last year.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, noted with dismay that, for so long, Nigerians have been held hostage by the fear of themselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. “Today, we gather to say, ‘Enough is enough.'”

He said his administration is committed to bolstering Nigeria’s security infrastructure and advancing peace, adding that the resettlement scheme, which is targeted at the communities affected by conflicts in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, is a testament to the courage of the survivors and signals an end to their pessimism.

According to the President Tinubu , the resettlement scheme is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a symbol, a collective will of Nigerians to heal as a nation that has endured too much, adding that, “it is an opportunity for each of us to come together and rebuild. It is a call to action. It is an appeal to come together in solidarity against the common threats that undermine our collective well-being.

“Today marks a fulfillment of a solemn promise. We are here to assure that the safety of each Nigerian shall be a priority, and we cannot claim to have achieved this until we restore dignity and security to those whose lives have been upended by conflict.

“Our journey to this point has been long and arduous. Today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity and build a future where each person and community sees the other as a friend, and where peace and opportunity are the birthright of every citizen. For so long, we have been held hostage by the fear of ourselves and allowed preventable incidents to escalate into transgenerational disputes. Today, we gather to say, ‘Enough is enough.’

“The Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted By Conflict (RSPIC) is a timely intervention not only to construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for victims of conflict but also to offer them a dignified environment to live and to dream. This is the promise of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a promise to make each Nigerian have a place of belonging and to learn to believe in Nigeria once again.

“The conflict we are forced to endure has not only torn communities apart in the past but also political leaders who ought to be unifying models for the people. This history should inspire us to be different, and my optimism thrives on the assurance by our state governors to treat our humanitarian crises as points of unity instead of divisions.

“In just about a year in office, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani has been an inspiration for unity in this beautiful state. I must emphasise that his approach is not only a template for other state governors but also for the nation at large. The non-kinetic interventions we have explored since taking office are best demonstrated by our state governors, and Kaduna is a light of hope in this aspect.

“President Tinubu has invested in building peace and stability in each part of this great country because an eruption of conflict in one part of the country disrupts the rest. Conflict and displacement, to us, are not merely regional issues; they are national concerns that demand a unified response. They threaten the very fabric of our society, and it is only through justice, distributions of democratic dividends, and collaboration that we can overcome these challenges.

“Our work does not end here. This groundbreaking event is but the first step in a long journey towards restoration and empowerment. We must continue to provide support and opportunities for those affected, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and economic resources. We must create an environment where every individual can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

“To those who have been displaced by conflict, I say this: We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Your strength and resilience inspire us all, and under President Tinubu’s leadership, we commit to bolstering our nation’s security infrastructure and advancing peace. This resettlement scheme is a testament to your courage and signals an end to your pessimism,” the President said.

Besides, in his welcome remarks, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said his government had disbursed over N275 million to victims of the drone attack, their families, and members of the community from money donated by individuals, public and private institutions.

Governor Sani said, since the unfortunate incident, the government had supported the victims, their families, and members of the community with relief materials through the Kaduna State Emergency Agency, while medical and psychosocial support to the victims and their families were still ongoing.

“We are constructing a 6km asphaltic road to Tudun Biri Village. This road, when completed, will open up Tudun Biri Village, link it to other communities, boost agriculture in the area, and ease movement of persons and goods. Similarly, a Skill Acquisition Centre is under construction, and we are building a clinic to cater for the medical needs of the people. We thank individuals and corporate organisations that have commenced various projects in Tudun Biri. May the Almighty God reward them abundantly.

“We have disbursed over Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Million Naira (N275,000,000) from money donated by individuals, public and private institutions. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all those who made pledges to please redeem them, as Mr. President and the Vice President have done,” he said.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the resettlement scheme, saying that the gesture was a clear demonstration of the commitment to wiping off the tears of the Tudun Biri people, and indeed the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, noted the broader implications of the project as it translates to the improvement of the welfare of the citizens.

She stated, “Let us remember that every brick laid and every path paved is a symbol of our shared commitment to a future where peace, prosperity, and unity reign supreme.”

Umar added that the project would “pave the way for similar initiatives in other states that would follow.”