Nigerians' "Good Life" Was a Deception, Claims President Tinubu

 

By Joshua Omoniyi 

In a striking declaration that has ignited conversations across the nation, President Bola Tinubu stated that the perceived prosperity enjoyed by Nigerians prior to the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 was nothing more than an illusion. Speaking at the 34th and 35th combined Nigerians' "Good Life" Was a Deception, Claims President Tinubu**

 ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, Tinubu emphasized the necessity of the subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates, claiming these actions were essential to p

revent Nigeria from teetering on the brink of economic collapse.

Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, outlined the dire economic conditions his administration inherited. “As you are all aware, we took the baton of authority at a time when our economy was nose-diving as a result of heavy debts from fuel and dollar subsidies,” he said. The president painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic health, suggesting that the subsidies, initially intended to support the underprivileged, had instead become a burden.

“The good life we thought we were living was a fake one that was capable of leading the country to a total collapse unless drastic efforts were urgently taken,” he asserted. Tinubu’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within his administration that the previous economic measures, including subsidies, merely provided a temporary façade of stability, ultimately harming the very citizens they were designed to help.

The president elaborated on the rationale behind the tough economic decisions made by his government, asserting that they were driven by a commitment to safeguard the future of Nigeria and its youth. “The need to salvage the future of our children and bring the country back from the brink of collapse necessitated the strategic decisions to remove the fuel subsidy and also unify the exchange rates. I am not unaware of the consequences of these tough decisions on our people. I sincerely wish there could be softer options,” he lamented.

Tinubu’s address also touched upon the alarming trend of youth migration, a phenomenon he described as a search for "greener pastures." He expressed concern that many young Nigerians were opting for emigration rather than contributing to national development. “Many of our youths have chosen the supposed easy option of emigrating to the proverbial greener pastures where their citizens had rolled up their sleeves to bring their nations back from the brinks in their times of trouble. This has led to the brain drain syndrome that we now experience in all areas of our endeavours as a nation,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, the president remains optimistic about his administration's "renewed hope agenda." He assured Nigerians that his government is dedicated to overcoming the current hurdles and fostering a brighter future. “We are on track towards achieving the goals we set for ourselves, and I remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better and greater Nigeria,” he affirmed.

Earlier in the ceremony, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and technological advancement. She urged the graduating students to leverage their education for personal and societal benefit, echoing the president’s call for a collective effort towards national development.

As Nigeria navigates these economically turbulent waters, Tinubu’s remarks have sparked a national dialogue about the realities of the country’s economic landscape. While the removal of subsidies and the unification of exchange rates may be viewed as necessary evils, the true test lies in the administration’s ability to implement reforms that genuinely improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The debate surrounding these significant policy changes raises questions about the future of Nigeria’s economy and the welfare of its citizens. As the nation reflects on the president's comments, it is clear that the path forward will require not only tough decisions but also a united effort from all sectors of society to rebuild trust and hope in a better Nigeria.