Minister of state for youth development, Ayodele Olawande, has commended President Bola Tinubu‘s efforts to address economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Olawande‘s comment comes as the Tinubu-led administration faces criticisms over its handling of the economy. Many Nigerians are expressing frustration over the high cost of living, and nationwide protests are slated for August 1-10.
During a press conference yesterday in Abuja by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, he acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians but expressed confidence in the president‘s commitment to tackling them.
Olawande said, „President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He has made decisions. I can tell you, the love you can have for yourself is not because you are PDP, APC, PDMP, or whatever. We need to stop that love and love this country first.“
The minister highlighted the government‘s achievements, including the 130% increment in minimum wage, the reduction of the review period for minimum wage from five to three years, and its passage by the National Assembly.
„We know you have the can-do spirit,“ Olawande said. „We are begging and pleading with you to work with us. And we are saying there are many things to enjoy in this government.
„The president has opened up every sector, and we are listening to your concerns. Our greatest problem, which we are not shy of, is the high unemployment rate. And let‘s be realistic with ourselves. Not everybody can be a civil servant.
„We are appealing to everybody that we are sure this country is in safe hands. We should not allow political people and supporters to tell us things that are not correct.“
The minister urged citizens to be realistic and take advantage of the government‘s opportunities, cautioning against using social media to destabilise the country.
„You have the right, but we are saying that it is time for us to know the value of doing our research, to talk to ourselves and sit down and let us know where these things are affecting us and have a roundtable with the government. This is a listening government,“ he said.
Earlier, the coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Mr. Bala Ahmed, recognised the challenges and pain faced by many Nigerians due to government policies and actions but urged caution and time.
Ahmed, who was represented by a former president of the Guild of Nigerian Actors, Zack Oji, emphasised the importance of unity and solidarity in overcoming adversity and building a better Nigeria.
Ahmed highlighted several policies and executive orders implemented by the Tinubu administration, including the approval of N10 billion for CNG buses, N35 billion student loan, and suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for food commodities.
