Nigeria: President Buhari Seeks U.S. - Europe Support for Nigeria's Development

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he will seek the support of America, Europe and Nigeria's neighbors in tackling the unemployment and security problems confronting the country.

Buhari gave the indication on Friday in his remarks at the inauguration Gala Night held at the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa.

He said that his administration would focus on agriculture and mining to engage the unemployed youths who form more than 60 per cent of the population.

"I ask Nigerians to please bear with us; a lot of damage has been done," he said.

He said that he had lost elections in the past three times and gone to the tribunal with the help of Nigerians, but that he was happy that the will of Nigerians made his victory possible this time around.

He said that Nigeria, being a populous country, if things went wrong in the country, they would go wrong in Africa because the continent could not manage any refugee crisis from Nigeria.

"Nigeria has to be well secured and efficiently managed. This was why the legacy parties made the sacrifice of jettisoning their personal ambitions, took the bull by the horn and tried to come together."

He said the party in power had realized its problems and made the sacrifice.

Buhari said: "Nigerians pray a lot; we need to even pray the more so that expectations our people have, especially the youths would be met."

He said the unemployment level was the "keg of gunpowder we are sitting on" and added that his administration would articulate the nation's requirements after studying the handover notes from the past administration then consult the immediate neighbours, Europe and U.S. for possible assistance.

In his remark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the inauguration of Buhari as historic for the nation and indeed Africa.

He said the transition from one party to another was a big achievement for the country.

"Democracy is the winner and Nigeria is the winner.

"I congratulate all those who made the election possible. I also congratulate former president Goodluck Jonathan for deepening democracy," he said.

He said the path of honor Jonathan took would not be forgotten and added that the new administration would need time to make decisions that will push the nation forward.

He urged the new president to recognize the diversity of the country and accommodate all since the nation's diversity remained its strength.

APC chieftain, Sen. Bola Tinubu, said that a new era had dawned in Nigeria.

He said that a commitment to build a new Nigeria had been consecrated adding that" Buhari is principled, passionate and determined to develop the country."

He said the time was ripe for Nigeria to maintain its lead in Africa and the African renaissance must begin with the new President.

"The Challenge is yours. We that are looking up to you will continue to do so with great commitment and perseverance.

'Nigeria must lead," Tinubu added. (NAN)