ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu reiterated yesterday that the removal of the fuel subsidy is a measure to safeguard the future of unborn generations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment and the creation of a prosperous future.
He stated: “I’ve listened to you carefully. Today is not for long speeches; I just want to reassure you that you are the hope of the country. Every decision I’ve taken is all about tomorrow.
“When you remove the oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to the majority of professionals talking about Japa , leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother to leave. They will stay home. This is your home, to develop, build, and make prosper.
“The government of the day is all about you. Take it very seriously. You can criticize politicians all you like, but politics is about development and the future generation. I’m glad you are all here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and the day after. I’m with you,” he said.
Tinubu however admittedly said that the decision was problematic at the initial stage, given the torrents of criticisms and the subsidy removal’s shockwaves impacts on the national economy.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We tried hard and were fetching water from a dry well, but today, the economy has turned the corner, prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, and technology is advancing. You have the opportunity.
“I’ve listened to the remarks of your spokesperson. You have the great opportunity of advancing the development of this country. It’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate and push and lift the heavy weight problems so I can clear the path for you to have a very great future, but it’s in your hands.
“Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done or suggestions. We’ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.”
Reaffirming his commitment and alignments with the ideals of the Nigerian youths, President Tinubu, stressed that he is with the youth all the way.
“I am with you, I repeat again. I, therefore, inaugurate the committee. I wish you a very successful period, an interesting one. Let’s employ technology every way possible, let’s look at our farming conditions, let’s hear what we can do to empower youths in their firm spirit, let’s work for food sovereignty of this country.
“I like you. I can’t be youth again, maybe in the next life. I’m envious of all of you.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab would be convened to promote youth engagement.
Olawande noted that President Tinubu’s administration is a listening government ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people in governance.
He said that the members were carefully selected as representatives drawn from the Federal Ministry of Finance, other related federal ministries, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, the World Bank, among many others.
He said they were to champion and plan for the conference that would impact the lives of Nigerian youths.
A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, praised President Tinubu’s commitment to recognizing the youths.
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