- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has reinstated the end of fuel subsidy and adjustment of foreign exchange policy which he claimed has been tamed like the Lagos Atlantic Ocean.
Tinubu made this known while speaking during his grand reception at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka Anambra state on Thursday.
NPO Reported Tinubu’s arrival in the state for a one-day working visit.
Following his arrival, the President visited the Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy before doing same at Solution Fun City recreational centre.
The President would then proceed to commission the newly built Government House after which the grand reception was held.
In his address, Tinubu expressed his delight to be back in the state for projects commissioning.
While lauding Soludo for his achievements in his first term in office, Tinubu also recounted his accomplishments after two years in office.
He claimed being faced with a near insolvent public finance and unsustainable multiple subsidies which he described as decade-old monster.
Tinubu boasted of taming the subsidies just like the Lagos Atlantic ocean was tamed.
“Let me commend the Government of Anambra State for its proactive efforts in improving security in the state. I wish to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to partner with the State and the Southeast to secure our people and their future.
“We will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.
“As your president, it gives me great pleasure to assure you all that the state of the nation is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We met a near insolvent public finance, decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, chaotic and debilitating forex regime, etc.
“Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been wrestled down: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way; etc.
“These reforms are difficult, yes, but inevitable. Everyone had long recognized their imperatives. Courage and our collective action were required to confront them so as to lay a strong foundation for a more stable, prosperous and inclusive economy.” Tinubu said.
The President further highlighted the achievements of his administration in agricultural sector as well as Workers’ welfare through the minimum wage increment.
“Already, we are seeing renewed investor confidence, expanding opportunities, and targeted support for small businesses, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors where Anambra is already excelling. Agriculture is receiving massive attention, and the results are beginning to show.l
“We have renegotiated and passed into law a new minimum wage as part of our effort to cushion the effect of these reforms on the working class.
“I am particularly happy that the Government of Anambra State has fully implemented the new minimum wage and I understand that you are paying above the National minimum.” He said.
Tinubu further revealed ongoing infrastructural projects in the transportation and power sectors.
He expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and understanding while admonishing them to work harder for the greatness of the country.
“We are working to build critical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, including Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works.
“The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this State.
“We continue to plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding.
“We call on all patriots and progressives to rise up and continue to work hard everyday for the greatness of our dear country. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.” He said.
Tinubu also expressed his gratitude for the chieftaincy title conferred on him which .marked the second time he will be honoured with title in the state.
“Before I conclude, let me thank the government and the great people of Anambra State for your warm hospitality. In particular, I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a Chieftaincy title by all the traditional rulers of Anambra State on behalf of the State.
“In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) conferred on me the title of OMENIFE AWKA. To now have ALL the traditional rulers of Anambra conferring another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life.
“Thank you to the traditional rulers. Thank you, Ndi Anambra. A lot of my friends are from Anambra state, and I have seen many of them today. Going forward, we are not just friends: I am now a bona fide son of the soil— one of you, your own son! Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home, after service.” He added.