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PRESIDENT TINUBU EXPLAINS RATIONALE BEHIND ECONOMIC REFORMS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has articulated the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations. “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said. The President made these remarks at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West. Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that the President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties. President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around. “Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.” Onanuga stated that the President also emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic tenets, saying it is the best route to economic, social, and political development. “I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball. Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it,” President Tinubu said. Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). Onanuga stated that Senator Nwaka commended the President for the initiatives, saying, “I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it. And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted.” Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo, and Hon. Eze Nwauwa. Onanuga noted that the meeting was a reunion of sorts for President Tinubu, who served in the National Assembly during the aborted Third Republic.

PRESIDENT TINUBU DELIVERS NEW YEAR MESSAGE, OUTLINES ECONOMIC 6 REFORMS FOR 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered his New Year message to Nigerians, expressing optimism for a brighter future and outlining his administration’s economic prospects and reforms for 2025. “As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health,” President Tinubu said. According to the President, economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for the nation, with gradually decreasing fuel prices, foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters, and a strengthened Naira against the US dollar. The stock market’s record growth has also generated trillions of naira in wealth, reflecting renewed confidence in the economy. However, President Tinubu acknowledged that the cost of food and essential drugs remains a significant concern for many Nigerian households. To address this, his administration is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. The President also announced plans to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises. This initiative aims to strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. In addition, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of citizenship and national identity, announcing plans to unveil the National Values Charter, and launch a national orientation campaign to foster patriotism and love for the country. The President concluded his message by urging Nigerians to continue believing in themselves and their country and to work together to achieve a brighter future. “Together, let us stay the course of nation-building. The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.