President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, assured that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.

Receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Reverend Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency.

Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna, attended the meeting with 19 CBCN leaders.

President Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on lnformation and Strategy, stated that the security challenges are being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare.

He called on the CBCN and all religious leaders to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members and support government efforts to end insurgency.

“We don’t have another country but here, this Nigeria. And I will refer to the national anthem that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all and humanity.

“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,”he added.

On poverty alleviation, President Tinubu affirmed that the government will sustain interventions that directly improve the livelihoods of families and citizens, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.

“I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,’’ he stated.

The president urged citizens to explore available opportunities for engagement provided by the government and private institutions and embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.

“To educate our children, I can say your children because you are revered fathers. You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? For me, that’s answered prayer,’’ President Tinubu noted.

On preparations for the general election, the president said INEC had been neutral. “The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.

The president told the leaders of the CBCN that state governors, following the constitution, have the authority to decide the return of mission schools.

In his remarks, the President of the CBCN appreciated the president for the warm reception extended to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.

Ndagoso outlined areas of concern in the country, which include security, quality tertiary education and limited spaces, sustaining gains of democracy, credible elections and poverty.

The President of CBCN also urged President Tinubu to consider the return of mission schools and fair treatment for all worshipers, including the provision of worship places in all parts of the country, without bias.

The delegation included: Most Reverend Alfred  Martins, Archbishop of Lagos/CBCN Vice President; Most Reverend  Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta/CBCN Secretary and Most Reverend Moses Chikwe Auxiliary, Bishop of Owerri/CBCN Assistant Secretary