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“Nigeria Could Face Economic Collapse Without Reforms” – Bayo Onanuga
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, recently addressed concerns regarding Nigeria’s economic situation, suggesting that without the current reforms, the country’s economy could have faced dire consequences similar to those of Somalia.
Onanuga spoke on Thursday, responding to widespread public dissatisfaction regarding the economic challenges brought on by certain policies implemented by the Tinubu administration.
He emphasized that while many Nigerians are understandably impatient for immediate results from these reforms, it’s essential to recognize the necessity of these changes for the long-term success of the economy.
Onanuga acknowledged the current weaknesses in Nigeria’s economy, but he expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms would create a path toward a more productive and sustainable economy.
In his remarks, he reflected on the historical context by mentioning reports from Vision 2010 and Vision 2020, initiatives aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic potential.
These reports underscored the longstanding issues of inefficiency and weakness within the country’s economy.
Onanuga pointed out that if the government did not take decisive action, Nigeria could find itself facing a situation close to that of Somalia’s economic struggles.
He explained that the government has traditionally reduced consumption, leading to a culture of dependency rather than productivity.
He argued that the reforms are aimed at shifting this issue, encouraging a more productive economic model that can better serve the needs of the people of Nigeria.
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“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
