‘It is a very tough time’ – Minister sympathises with Nigerians
The Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, has admitted that the country is going through “a very tough time”.
Edun said although the country is currently experiencing difficult times, President Bola Tinubu has a track record of providing solutions to difficult challenges.
The minister spoke on Thursday in an interview with journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Edun and his counterpart, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani were honoured by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and other distinguished sons and daughters of Egbaland for their nominations and appointments as ministers.
The event was attended by former governors, Segun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, the Olowu of Owu kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola and the Osile Oke-Ona of Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, among others.
Speaking shortly after the reception, Edun said Nigerians must continue to have faith and confidence in Tinubu in spite of the current economic situation of the country.
He also said it was important for Nigerians not to lose hope in Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the country would soon begin to feel the positive impact of the President’s reforms.
“We have done it before, but it is a very tough time and it is very important that Nigerians are encouraged, not lose hope and have confidence and trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to turn the economy round.
“He (Tinubu) has the boldness and courageous leadership and he is willing to take the tough decisions, yet at the same time he has the empathy for the ordinary people to ensure that he limits the pain and not leave them to their plights.
“He has instead intervened with all kinds of measures to assist and manage the cost of living increase that has become part of the fallout of the measures that he has taken, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the adjustment of the exchange rate regime.
“So, that is why there is support for mass transit, like conversion to CNG fuel buses and other vehicles which are more cheaper.
“He has provided food, grains and he is providing money to small, even micro enterprises as well as small and medium scale enterprises. Manufacturing companies are being given funding at cheaper and affordable rate. These are all an attempt to provide more food and reduce the cost of living while growing the economy at the same time”, Edun said.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani said Nigeria required innovative solutions to its challenges.
He pledged to provide “intentional and deliberate” leadership to Nigerian youths towards the delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
