Present administration remains committed to improve welfare of all citizens and to tackle insecurity in the country.

According to President Muhammadu Buhari, insecurity remained the greatest challenge confronting the nation.

Buhari said government would not relent in its effort to address the problem, enjoining the citizens to cooperate and support security agencies in their efforts to address the challenges of insecurity across the country as “security was a collective responsibility’’.

The President, who noted that Nigeria was on a renewed growth trajectory, pledged that he would do all within his power to sustain the current economic recovery efforts.

He also pledged to continue to reinforce micro-economic policies to achieve sustainable economic stability and growth.

He said: “We will also continue to ensure the growth comes along with more jobs and a fair and just distribution of the national wealth.

“I thank you for your continued patience and sacrifices in moving the nation forward.’’

Buhari called on State Governments to be pillars of the on-going anti-corruption agenda and to continue partner with the Federal Government to deliver more democratic dividends to citizens across the country.

The President, who was honoured with an award at the event, said: “I am very humbled by this award.

“It is a further reminder for me to continue to dedicate my life and my time to serving the Nigerian people.”

In his remarks, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Gov. of Imo, Chief Rochas Okorocha, lauded the leadership qualities of President Buhari, describing him as “a leader naturally loved by the people’’.

While delivering a vote of thanks, Governor. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, also commended the president for coming to the rescue of state governments by providing them with bail-out funds as well as the Paris Club refunds.

Out-going governors of Borno (Kashim Shettima), Imo (Rochas Okorocha), Nasarawa (Tanko Al-Makura) and Ogun (Ibikunle Amosun) were also honoured with awards at the occasion.

Other recipients of honours at the event were Oyo (Abiola Ajimobi), Yobe (Ibrahim Gaidam), Zamfara (Abdulaziz Yari) and former governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola.