…says things will soon be better
The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Dayo Israel, has appealed to youths planning to embark on a nationwide protest starting from August 1, following the hardship being faced by the people to shelve the idea, noting that what is happening now is a temporal challenge that will soon pass.
Israel noted that as much as he is not excusing the current challenges, but that the difficult economic situation is a global thing and that each country will have to find a way to manage their own situation and Nigeria’s case will soon get better.
He said that Nigerians should be grateful to God for life and for leading them thus far, assuring that with faith in God, things will soon be better.
“Let me begin by thanking God for keeping us all alive to see the 7th month of the year 2024. It is only by His Mercies that we are privileged to be alive in this period/season, and when there is life, there is hope.
“Talking about periods and seasons, we are in perilous times, from Europe to North America, North Africa to our home country Nigeria. The global economy is in a meltdown and prices of goods and services have increased beyond proportion.
“The British people have been hit hard by the severe cost of living crisis that is now impacting the whole of the UK. Stubbornly high inflation, years of wage stagnation and the sudden and steep rise in energy prices have left millions of Brits on the brink of poverty.
“Many young people in England are now relying on Foodbanks to survive, with the UK former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown opening the first “multi-bank” of its kind in London, distributing everything from basic foods to baby products and toiletries, amid continued concerns about levels of poverty in Britain as the school summer holidays begin.
“In faraway United States, as of May 2024, prices for food, energy, and rent have increased astronomically, and inflation is a top concern for Americans.
“The cost of living remains a massive headache, even as recession fears fade. This has led to some workers taking on debt to maintain their standard of living.
“The same is the story for many Nations including our neighbouring Ghana, Kenya and other parts of Africa. Things are not as it used to be.
“For many of us here in Nigeria, the experience is tough. Prices of food, cooking gas, medicines, fuel, and public transport have shot up, squeezing your meagre income.
“Diesel is at N1,300 thereabout, Petrol above N600, Pure water bag is N500 and a cup of Gari is N200 depending on where in Nigeria you are. I can go on and on, but you get the gist. We are all experiencing it, all of us, irrespective of our party.
“There is no APC price at the petrol station, we all buy tomatoes at the same price in the market. I know how you feel and I can assure you, this too shall pass.
“On Thursday, the Minister of Finance announced that Nigeria is on a path of recovery. FG revenue to debt service ratio dropped 97% to 68% and has surpassed half-year non-oil revenue by 30%. And yet, hidden behind these economic indicators, a frustrating reality persists: Life is still far too expensive for many of us. But worry not. I can assure you the man at the wheel has not blinked an eye in ensuring that we all can smile again.
“The truth is, he inherited an economy that was already struggling with record debt, high unemployment, low oil output, subsidies that drained government finances and power shortages that have crimped growth.,” he said.
He assured that with his personal experience with President Bola Tinubu, he is confident that his intention is to build a great country and make the people happy.
“As someone who has had the privilege of interacting with President Tinubu, I know of his heart to fix Nigeria, it is his intention to build a country we can be proud of and hand over to our generation, a country with low unemployment. and massive industrialisation.
“This is what is behind many of his policy decisions and programs – to give all Nigerians a chance at prosperity and to make our hope a reality. From the new minimum wage to student loans, Advancing local government autonomy to massive infrastructure projects, the President is unbundling his bag of goodies for Nigerians.
“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, there has been a notable improvement in Revenue and FAAC. States and Local Governments are benefiting from more resources to create social services for citizens in their states and localities.
“I know some of these reforms are hitting you below the belt, but let us remember – though weeping endure for the night, Joy comes in the morning.
“Joy is coming my fellow Nigerians. Mr President will make good his promise to Nigerians. You have endured a lot already, the result is very close, don’t lose hope,” he assures.