Senate President Ahmad Lawan has called on the federal government to immediately introduce policies that would return the over 13 million out-of-school-children back to school, so as to curb the rising number of illiteracy in Nigeria.
The Senate President made this known in a speech delivered at the 60th birthday celebration of Governor Nasir el-Rufai and presentation of the book “These Times: Selected Writings and Speeches by Nasir el-Rufai,” in Kaduna on Monday.
Lawan said the report of the out-of-school children mostly in the north is dangerous for the country.
“Until we are able to reverse this kind of trend, no matter how much infrastructure you put, you will still have that social angle that will actually lead to serious insecurity, the kind that we experience or even worse, God forbid. So, we need to look at the people.”
The Senate President further admonished leaders in the country to live up to the responsibilities of their respective offices by demonstrating courage and acting expeditiously to guarantee the protection of lives and properties of citizens.
“Today, we are challenged by insecurity, sadly it is all over the country. This requires that all of us at every level of government come together and work to ensure that lives and properties of citizens are protected.
“The story is bad, everyday it is either kidnapping, assassination or some kind of banditry that leaves our people and communities shattered and destroyed.
“I want to take the opportunity of this celebration to send this message, that as leaders, we owe the people, not only the explanation, but actions,” Lawan added.
