A group of prominent Oyo State leaders, including Kolawole Raji, Muraina Ajibola, Dapo Lam, Sunday Adepoju, and Segun Odebunmi, have made a heartfelt appeal to the youths of Oyo State to reconsider the planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, scheduled for August 1 to 10.
The leaders, all former federal lawmakers, met with youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), student leaders, and other critical stakeholders on Tuesday, July 30, at the party’s permanent secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
The meeting aimed to sensitize members of the APC on the potential ills of the planned protest and to discuss the state of the nation.
During the meeting, Hon. Kolawole Raji, who briefed journalists, emphasized the dangers of the planned protest and highlighted the significant achievements of President Tinubu’s government.
Achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government:
1. Local Government Financial Autonomy: President Tinubu’s administration has granted financial autonomy to local governments, enabling them to manage funds independently and improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
2. Student Loan Scheme: The introduction of a comprehensive student loan scheme by the Tinubu administration provides interest-free loans to students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder Nigerian youths from pursuing higher education.
3. Infrastructural Development: The administration has prioritized infrastructural development with major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project, Badagry-Sokoto Expressway, many other road projects across the Country and the extensive national rail network rehabilitation. These projects will enhance connectivity, boosted economic activities, and created numerous job opportunities for the youth.
4. New Minimum Wage: To address the rising cost of living and improve the standard of living for Nigerian workers, the Tinubu administration has increased the national minimum wage to N70,000. This increment aims to enhance the purchasing power of workers and promote a fairer distribution of wealth.
5. Agricultural Development and Youth Empowerment: Initiatives such as the Youth Farm Initiative and the Agricultural Enhancement Program have empowered young farmers with training, funding, and resources, contributing to the nation’s agricultural transformation and food security.
6. Healthcare Improvements: The establishment of more primary healthcare centers, improvement of existing facilities, and introduction of health insurance schemes have made quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
7. Technology and Innovation: President Tinubu’s government is fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the National Innovation Fund and support for tech hubs nationwide, encouraging young innovators to develop solutions for local and global challenges.
Hon. Kolawole Raji highlighted that President Tinubu met significant challenges upon taking office but is committed to addressing them methodically. “We are very sympathetic towards the people and we are very aware that things are tough at this time, but we implore our people to give the president more time to put Nigeria back in shape. These things we complain of didn’t happen at once; it was gradual. We are confident Nigeria would be great under President Bola Tinubu,” Raji said.
The leaders urge the youths of Oyo State to recognize these achievements and the genuine efforts of the current administration to improve the lives of all Nigerians. They encourage any grievances or suggestions to be communicated through appropriate channels, assuring that their voices will be heard and addressed.
