- Says country ’ll survive current economic challenges
- President pays condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family
President Bola Tinubu has again stressed that his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of national life.
Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.
”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I applied for the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.
”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,” the President affirmed.
On reforming Nigeria, President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”
He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.
“The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.
“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.
“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.
“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.
Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.
“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.
President pays condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family
President Tinubu has also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu.
President Tinubu visited the late Akeredolu’s family in Owo, Ondo State, days after the former governor was buried.
Speaking during the visit, President Tinubu said the void left by the departed governor will be difficult to fill, adding that his legacies will endure forever.
“He truly embodied courage and fearlessness, especially in his relentless pursuit of good governance. I can only describe him as a fearless fighter. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and his courageous nature will always be remembered,” he said.
The widow of the late former governor, Betty, thanked President Tinubu and the Southern Governors for their contributions towards the burial of her late husband.
She described the President’s visit as a big deal.
Akeredolu’s wife specifically thanked the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his contributions during the burial.
She disclosed that Sanwo-Olu single-handedly brought the remains of the late Akeredolu to Nigeria a few days after his death.
She said, “As you are aware, the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, paid his condolence visit to my family. Present at the visit are my children and extended family members.
“On behalf of my family, I appreciate Mr. President. We understood he couldn’t attend the burial ceremony due to the dictate of Yoruba culture. He couldn’t have attended the burial of his younger brother.
“Coming today (Wednesday) is a big deal because we are in a better atmosphere. I also express my profound gratitude to the Southern Governors for their immense financial contributions to the burial, most especially, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, who single handedly brought Aketi’s remains back to Nigeria. We appreciate this huge show of love and we are grateful and forever indebted to him.
“I requested that Mr. President see where Aketi has been laid to rest and he followed me. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He is indeed, Aketi’s brother and friend.
“I told Mr. President, yes, Aketi has left but he lives because he left behind legacies. It is our wish that those legacies continue and are built upon where necessary.”
While welcoming the president, the Olowo Oba Ajibade Ogunoye expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the visit.
The monarch described the late Akeredolu as a true democrat who was fully committed to democratic principles and practices.
Earlier, President Tinubu landed at the Akure Airport in the Ondo State capital via the Nigerian Air Force jet that conveyed him and his entourage at exactly 11:35 am.
He was received by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his Ekiti State counterpart Biodun Oyebanji as well as top government functionaries and prominent politicians.
A presidential parade was put in place at the terminal of the airport to welcome President Tinubu to the Sunshine State.
