Immediate past Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed fear that unchecked population is posing big problems for the future generations of the country.
He said: “unchecked population expansion will bring a lot of problems to future generations.”
In his message to mark the Eid-El-Adha or big Sallah today, June 16, the former President wanted proactive measures taken to control the population.
The Sallah message, issued by his spokesperson while in office, Malam Garba Shehu, quoted Buhari as saying: “there is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
Buhari’s warning against the population explosion derived from the massive crowds he witnessed at the Eid group in his Daura country home in Katsina State today.
Buhari, who wished Nigerians Happy Sallah and prayed that this special festival would bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone, said: “I use this 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.
“I urge the youth of the country to seek to know about the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
He called on Nigerians to spread kindness to one another in the situation the country found itself, “and in the spirit of the Sallah.
“Let us help one another and be our bothers’ keepers.”
Buhari told members of the National Youth Service (NYSC) who paid him Sallah homage to remain focused in their endeavours.
He described the NYSC scheme as a strong fabric holding the country together and advised successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.
He emphasized that NYSC has been one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of state.
The former President subsequently offered a cow, 10 bags of rice and some cash to the NYSC members as gifts for them to celebrate the occasion.
Buhari had joined the Emir of Daura, Dr. Faruk Umar Faruk to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground.
