Be patient with Tinubu. With perseverance and collective support, we can overcome current hardships and emerge stronger – Omo-Agege tells Nigerians

Ovie Omo-Agege, a former deputy senate president, has called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the challenges posed by the government’s economic reforms but emphasizing their long-term benefits.

In his Christmas message to the nation, Omo-Agege, who was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election, urged Nigerians to use the festive season to extend love and generosity to the needy while not losing sight of the country’s ongoing struggles.

“As we rejoice, let us not forget the numerous challenges we face as a nation,” he said in the statement. “We acknowledge that the recent reforms have caused hardship for many Nigerians, particularly with the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the naira’s multiple exchange rates. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognise that these reforms are designed to address decades of economic mismanagement and put Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth.”

Omo-Agege went on to emphasize that the reforms are critical for transitioning Nigeria from an import-dependent economy to one that is self-sufficient, productive, and capable of generating jobs. “Achieving this ambitious long-term goal requires patience and perseverance,” he noted.

He highlighted some of the positive developments already emerging from the reforms, including improved growth rates, reduced imports, increased exports, higher incomes for farmers, and a boost in FAAC allocations to state and local governments.

“Encouragingly, we are already witnessing positive gains, including improved growth rates, reduced imports, increased exports, higher incomes for farmers, and increased FAAC allocations to state and local governments,” Omo-Agege added. “As we move forward, it’s crucial that we collaborate to build a brighter future for our nation. With perseverance and collective support, we can overcome current hardships and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.”

The former deputy senate president also urged Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu to ensure the success of his economic transformation agenda.

Turning his attention to issues in his home state, Omo-Agege called on the Delta government to urgently address the state’s poor infrastructure, insecurity, and inadequate healthcare system. “Many communities are left in dire need due to lack of transparency and accountability in funds allocation,” he said. “Despite its huge potential, agriculture has been neglected, unlike in many other states.”

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing agriculture, a sector he believes could unlock Delta State’s economic potential, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods. “Agriculture contributes significantly to the global economy, providing employment, raw materials, and economic development opportunities,” Omo-Agege stated. “Through prioritising agriculture, Delta can unlock its economic potential, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of its residents.”

Concluding, he reiterated his commitment to driving change in Delta State. “As your opposition leader, I remain committed to driving change and ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity for our beloved state.”