President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, took his campaign for re-election to the country’s business community in Lagos, promising more collaboration with the private sector in the provision of infrastructure.

Speaking after a host of his ministers enumerated his achievements in the agriculture, road construction, job creation, power supply and maritime sectors, President Jonathan said his administration had tackled corruption more than any other administration.

According to him, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has prosecuted and secured more convictions in the last five years than at any other time.

He said his style is to create systems and institutions that will make it difficult for people to engage in graft.

The ministers that spoke at the event tagged “The corporate forum: An interactive forum with Mr. President”, were Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke; Agriculture Minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina; Power Minister, Prof Chinedu Nebo; Trade and Investment Minister, Dr Olusegun Aganga and Works Minister, Arc. Mike Onolememen.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said three years ago the president foresaw the prevailing slump in crude oil prices and directed the ministers to accelerate the diversification agenda and the move has now yielded dividends.

According to her, sectors that are contributing to the national revenue are service, agric, industries, telecoms and creative sectors like Nollywood.

Continuing, Okonjo-Iweala said the government and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics found out that 1.8 million jobs are needed yearly to meet the needs of Nigerians, adding that currently the government is creating 1.2 million jobs yearly and needs the support of Nigerians to bridge the gap between the next three to four years.

Notable personalities at the event included Governors Liyel Imoke of Cross River and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Oba Otudeko, Jim Ovia, Peter Obi, Boni Haruna, Ifeanyi Uba, Atedo Peterside, among many others.

•Adapted from a Vanguard report. Photo shows President Jonathan.

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