Opinion: Forget About The Naysayers; Nigeria Is On The Path To Greatness Again!!
By Mogaji Wole Arisekola
Tinubu is making phenomenal impacts on our economy that will have a big effect on the country. We should stay hopeful because a better Nigeria is coming. Let’s all be part of the good times ahead. Keep trusting and praying for this change.
Good leaders, on the other hand, should care about their people and offer solutions that help, especially in difficult times like those Nigeria is facing now.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent Independence Day speech gave hope to Nigerians. His government is making efforts to address the challenges facing the country, with steps to improve the economy and reduce hardships. Unlike a Roman emperor who was playing fiddle when Rome was on fire, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not ignoring the needs of his people.
Since Tinubu took office in May 2023, reforms have been introduced to fix long-standing problems. These reforms are tough but necessary to fight corruption, inefficiency, and other issues that have held Nigeria back.
For example, over $30 billion in foreign investments have been brought in, which could help create jobs, reduce imports, and revitalize industries across Nigeria.
Another $30 billion investment was made possible by young and eloquent Bamanga Usman Jada, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority of Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on October 13, 2023. This young and intelligent Fulani autocrat has shown that the Fulanis are among the best administrators Nigeria has ever produced. He has demonstrated that the future of Nigeria is in the capable hands of our youths.
President Tinubu’s love for the youth has paid off as many young Nigerians in his cabinet are doing fantastically well, unlike the older, outdated officials whose lives depend on what they can steal from the government through their families and their boyfriends and girlfriends.
President Tinubu’s bitter complaint about some of his ministers shying away from the press is like villagers asking thieves to come and explain their achievements in the marketplace. Everyone knows that the villagers would roast the thieves to their bones.
“Oro wo lowo lenu omo iya ole” ( Words are heavy in the mouth of a thief’s sibling).
Anyway, before I digress from the real issue, Tinubu also addressed other important economic matters, such as clearing a $7 billion debt backlog and maintaining foreign reserves of $37 billion. Additionally, Nigeria’s debt service ratio was reduced from 97% to 68%. These changes have encouraged more business partnerships with Nigeria, including a recent $10 billion investment from ExxonMobil.
The president also spoke about reducing hunger and the high cost of living. His plans include promoting modern farming to lower food prices and increase food production.
In terms of energy, Tinubu is focusing on switching to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation, which will lower transport costs and reduce pollution.
For the youth of Nigeria, who make up a large portion of the population, Tinubu announced plans for a National Youth Conference to create job opportunities, improve education, and support innovation. He believes the youth should not only be seen as future leaders but should be involved in decision-making now.
Tinubu didn’t leave out national security either. He noted progress in the fight against Boko Haram and other security issues. His government is committed to bringing peace and stability across Nigeria, which is crucial for the success of the reforms and to attract more foreign investments.
While Nigeria faces tough times, there is hope for stability, growth, and prosperity if the government stays committed to these reforms.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
