President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing economic difficulties they are experiencing are part of a necessary process for national growth, despite the pain it may cause. He stressed that while the reforms might seem challenging, they are crucial for a prosperous future.
Speaking at the 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Tinubu, who was represented by Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economy to the Vice President, urged Nigerians to endure the economic hardship as part of the larger plan to rebuild the country’s economy. His remarks came at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with rising costs of living, job insecurity, and inflation.
“I do not take pleasure in inflicting pain on Nigerians,” President Tinubu stated, acknowledging the tough economic conditions many Nigerians are currently enduring. His words, though empathetic, highlighted the necessity of the hardships for long-term national development.
Tinubu explained that his administration has inherited both the assets and the liabilities of previous governments and that the current economic reform policies, though painful, are designed to correct past mistakes and set Nigeria on a sustainable path. He emphasized that his government is not blaming past leaders but rather taking responsibility for fixing the country’s challenges.
“We have gladly accepted the assets and liabilities of our heroes past without any intention of apportioning blames or pointing an accusing finger at any individual or group of people,” he said. “As we are trying to fix, reconfigure and correct past mistakes and errors, we implore all Nigerians to cooperate with us, endure this unintentional hardship so that, like the graduates of today, we all can celebrate and be celebrated at the end of the day.”
President Tinubu expressed optimism for the future, reassuring Nigerians that “there is light at the end of the tunnel.” His statement suggests that despite the ongoing difficulties, the country will eventually reap the benefits of these reforms, although the journey may be long and tough.
Tinubu’s message was clear: the government needs the cooperation of all Nigerians in navigating through this phase of economic hardship. He urged the citizens to understand that the reforms are intended to stabilize the country’s economy for the betterment of all, particularly for future generations.
Tinubu’s call for patience echoes his administration’s broader economic agenda, which focuses on restructuring the Nigerian economy and addressing the country’s long-standing issues with debt, inflation, and unemployment. While some Nigerians remain skeptical about the outcomes of these reforms, the President remains hopeful that with time, the policies will create an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.
The convocation ceremony also saw key figures in the education and business sectors come together to emphasize the role of education in national development. Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, delivered an address stressing that investing in education is the backbone of any nation’s development. According to him, education remains a key driver in positioning a country for success in a competitive global environment.
Similarly, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, the Pro-Chancellor of OAU, charged the 977 postgraduates to use the knowledge they had acquired to contribute to the nation’s development. He encouraged them to continue building a nation full of opportunities for future generations, a sentiment echoed by President Tinubu during his address.
A highlight of the event was the conferment of honorary doctorates on several distinguished individuals. Among those honored were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, businessman Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, academic Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, and Daere Afonya-A Akobo, who were all celebrated for their significant contributions to society.
