Blair to Tinubu: We’ll help your govt to succeed

Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has expressed his readiness to support the incoming administration of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to succeed in office.

Blair made the declaration when he visited Tinubu at the Defence House in Abuja on Tuesday, May 23.

He said the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, would be a willing partner of Tinubu’s administration, especially in prioritising its goals and delivery.

The former Prime Minister stated since leaving office as the UK PM, he had been working with governments around the world to help them deliver on their mandates.

He said Blair Institute has a project in place in Nigeria, noting that it was incumbent upon him to meet Tinubu to understand the administration’s priorities.

READ ALSO: Tinubu meets Tony Blair in Abuja

“We would like to help in any way with your administration. We only need to know what the leadership priorities are and help in how to actualise them,” Blair stated.

The former PM commended Tinubu’s campaign focus on key areas of security, economy, agriculture and power, describing the intertwined nature of the areas as critical to the development of any society.

Blair, however, expressed optimism that with the appetite shown by investors to invest in Nigeria, Tinubu’s administration could get the support it needs to spur economic development in the country.

On his part, Tinubu thanked Blair for the visit and for his offer to work with his administration.

The former governor of Lagos State, who spoke about the shared vision between him and Tony Blair Institute in their priority areas, stressed the importance of tackling investment challanges and the need for social investment to fight poverty.

The President-elect added: “Yes, we are challenged. But where is our courage? We can eliminate ignorance, diseases and poverty in Africa. We must work hard to ensure democracy works for our people.

“We have to invest more, put technology in place and keep terrorists at bay because without effective security, there is no guarantee investors will come.”

He, therefore, promised to provide a conducive environment that would encourage investors and open up opportunities for the people.

The Star