The various reforms being initiated by the President Bola Tinubu Administration will reposition the nation’s economy for greater efficiency, the head of Federal Information Center in Lokoja, Kogi State, Mrs. Sabina Abalaka, has said.
Speaking at the opening of a public enlightenment programme on the achievements of the federal government with particular reference to Kogi State under President Tinubu held at the NUJ Press Center in Lokoja yesterday, Mrs Abalaka said though the removal of fuel subsidy was particularly painful, the overall benefits are far greater than the pains.
She said, “From the onset, this administration took a bold step by confronting the economic challenges facing our nation, beginning with the removal of fuel subsidy. Although this policy decision inevitably led to an increase in the prices of goods and services, it was necessary in order to set the country on the path of sustainable growth.
“As a responsible government, the administration recognised that the hard way is often the surest way to rescue the nation from economic stagnation. Two years down the line, we are here to examine some of the steps that have been taken and how they continue to positively impact our economic growth and national development.
“I urged us to remember that some of the tough decisions taken by the government, though sometimes criticized as harsh, were in fact necessary alternatives to prevent economic collapse and possible disintegration.”
She stressed that nation-building is never without sacrifice, saying just as the process of childbirth comes with pain and anxiety, yet culminates in joy of new life, the current challenges would soon give way to the joy of economic recovery and growth.
The Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabiru, Makarfi the IV, commended the present administration for initiating the reforms which according to him had positively impacted the lives of citizens.
The Maigari who was represented by the Matawale of Lokoja, Alhaji Ademu Muhammed, hailed President Tinubu for the introduction of National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said had greatly relieved parents of the burden of school fees and students’ upkeep.
The guest Speaker, the former head of the Federal Information Center in Lokoja, Alhaji Lawal Shaibu, noted that in order to mitigate the economic hardship, the federal government had to embark on intervention activities geared towards cushioning the effect and promote economic growth and development.
According to him, significant milestones have so far been recorded in Kogi State and the country in general.
Highlighting the major achievements of the administration, he said the government was aware from the beginning that the only way to solve the problem of the country was to confront the economic challenges facing the country frontally.
He listed the achievements of the administration to include the steps taken to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, valued at over 500 million dollars, saying that when operational, these projects will greatly impact the economy and living standards of the people of Kogi State.
“The Kogi state government in collaboration with the Federal Government is focused on farmers and farming communities. Kogi State government has seen investments of over N900 billion, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for farming,” he said.
