From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Chairman and National Coordinator of Tinubu Must Stay (TMS) Movement Mallam Inuwa Abdullahi has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to demonstrate commitment to infrastructure development, economic revitalisation and improved connectivity across different parts of the country, including the Niger Delta region.
Mallam Inuwa Abdullahi who is the Director General of NITDA stated this during the Tinubu Must Stay South South Zone Town Hall Meeting And Industrial Training Workshop in Yenagoa the bayelsa state capital.
The DG who was represented by Engr. Ibrahim Said Uba, Director of Mobilization and Data Management said, the gathering provides an important platform for constructive dialogue, civic participation and practical skills development. Saying It also reinforces our conviction that national development cannot be achieved through government policies alone but requires active participation, collaboration and commitment from citizens, communities, the private sector and other relevant stakeholder
According to him,the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to demonstrate commitment to infrastructure development, economic revitalisation and improved connectivity across different parts of the country, including the Niger Delta region.
“In Bayelsa State, several road infrastructure interventions associated with federal institutions, particularly the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Federal Ministry of Works, deserve attention.
“Among these are the Ogbia–Nembe Road and Bridges, reported to have been commissioned in May 2024; the Oruma Rigid Pavement Road in Ogbia Local Government Area, commissioned in February 2024; and the ongoing Nembe–Brass Road project, which is expected to improve connectivity and economic activities in the coastal communities.
“Other notable interventions include rehabilitation activities along the Kaiama–Ahoada section of the East–West Road, as well as road projects connecting Otuasega, Obedum and Emelego, Ologi, Sangatama and Akipelei communities”.
Speaking further said, beyond roads and physical infrastructure, “one of the most important investments any government or society can make is investment in its people.This is why the industrial training component of the programme is particularly significant.
“Our young people must be equipped with practical, entrepreneurial, technological and vocational skills that will enable them to become employers of labour rather than depend solely on government employment.The future belongs to individuals who can identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions and create value within their communities.
“As a movement committed to sustainable governance, we believe that empowerment must go beyond political promises. It must translate into tangible opportunities, improved livelihoods and measurable improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
“The Tinubu Must Stay Movement remains committed to promoting the achievements, policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Agenda through constructive public engagement, responsible advocacy and grassroots mobilisation.
“However, our responsibility goes beyond political mobilisation. We must also encourage accountability, provide platforms for citizens to express their concerns and support initiatives that advance the welfare of our people.We believe that governance must be people-centred, inclusive and responsive to the needs of communities.
“As we engage the people of Bayelsa State, we must continue to promote national unity, peaceful coexistence, economic participation and constructive partnerships between government and citizens.
In his keynot address, Anthony Chukwuebuka Okoye, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State said, since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on a series of far-reaching economic reforms aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy, restoring macroeconomic stability, strengthening public revenue and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
He however say, beyond government policies, economic indicators and official statistics, one fundamental question deserves our attention: “Have the gains of these reforms translated into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians?
“This question provides the foundation for understanding the challenges, achievements and future prospects of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies.
Anthony Chukwuebuka Okoye Ph.D who spoke on the theme: ECONOMIC REFORMS: THE PAIN, THE GAINS AND THE FUTURE OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION (2023–PRESENT) highlighted some of the gains of the Economic reforms which he said, “while acknowledging the economic difficulties Nigerians have experienced, we must also examine the emerging indicators of economic performance.
“Available figures presented in this assessment suggest improvements across several macroeconomic and fiscal indicators.These include:
GDP Growth: Increased from 2.74 per cent to 4.43 per cent, indicating improved economic expansion.
” Inflation: Declined from 33 per cent to 14.63 per cent, suggesting a moderation in the rate of price increases.Foreign Reserves: Increased from approximately $33 billion to $55 billion, strengthening the country’s external financial position. Tax Revenue: Rose from ₦12.3 trillion to ₦28.3 trillion, reflecting improved government revenue mobilisation.
” FAAC Disbursements: Increased from approximately ₦900 billion to ₦3.007 trillion, providing additional resources to federal, state and local governments.These figures point to important developments in the country’s macroeconomic and fiscal position”.
In his earlier welcome address, South South Zonal coordinator of TMS Come. Ogio Bright Clement said the South South and Nigeria has spoken that Tinubu Must Stay. Saying TMS stands for continuity, stability, and prosperity.
” When president Tinubu took over in 2023, Nigeria was at crossroad. He took bold decisions that others were afraid to take, today we are seeing the results in the economy, in the infrastructures, in the Renewed Hope for our youths. In the South South we have felt it. From the coastal highway to the empowerment program”.
