We’ll address Almajiri challenges, Tinubu tells northern clerics

Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Tinubu ballOn Tuesday, he promised to solve the problems of the Almajiri system in northern Nigeria, if elected president.

Mr. Tinubu stated this in Kano at a Town Hall Meeting with Muslim leaders and clerics from seven states in the North-west region.

Mr. Tinubu said successive administrations have failed to address Almajiri’s problems because of lack of coordination and planning.

Mr. Tinubu said: “Let me answer Almajiri’s question. You build a school without a clinic, planning for teachers, no allowance, Mr. Tinubu said about the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan who built a number of Almajiri schools in the northern state.

“To strengthen the social fabric and secure the future, a huge investment in education will ensure that we nourish and guide our youth to a better life.

“Here, I am not only talking about material existence but also spiritual existence and role as a responsible citizen.

“Every child has the right to education. It is a social wrong to see them walking on the streets or out because of poverty.

“If allowed to be the president, I will appoint a special commission and the commission and will work with you to come up with a lasting solution to the almajiri challenge.

“We will translate the great abilities of the youth into productive products for them and the nation. They are precious and we must treat them as such, Mr. Tinubu told the gathering while speaking for support.

The north-west of Nigeria is struggling with the threat of Almajiri called street children, which is the number of children who do not go to school in the region.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its latest global data, says Nigeria currently has about 20 million children who are out of school.

I need your support

In an event attended by the host governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Mr. Tinubu said he will be a faithful and dutiful servant in improving the lot of all Nigerians, if elected.

“Ask your followers to come out and vote wisely vote for me,” Mr. Tinubu said amid applause from the gathering.

“Since I started this campaign, well meaning Nigerians from all parts of this country have given me support and encouragement. This campaign is not just my project and it is not just to make me president.

“So much more is at stake. So much more rests in the balance. This campaign, this election, is about our collective march towards a better Nigeria. Are we moving forward? Or are we losing our way?

“As Nigeria approaches its encounter with destiny, we must all be wiser and more vigilant.

“As a religious leader, you are more than a teacher. And people must be more than just students who listen. We must act and we must act better than before.

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“Religious leaders like you are agents of harmony and hope, not division and disunity.

“All well-meaning Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, must fight against violence, hunger, ignorance and bigotry.

“We all have to live together. No one has the right to try to dominate another. Allah stands against such injustice. And where Allah stands all evil will fall.

“A more prosperous, compassionate, tolerant and safe nation awaits us if we obey God’s command to be just and fair.

“Let me give you some thoughts about what I will do if Allah gives me the opportunity to rule our country.

“My vow is simple. I promise to be a fair and just leader. This pledge is based on Islamic teachings on leadership.

“A leader in a pluralistic society is required to be a leader for all. If elected, I will govern in accordance with the democratic Constitution of our country.

“More than that, I will tackle the problems of this nation with the commitment to solve them,” Mr. Tinubu told the cleric in Kano.