LAGOS – Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo is the National Chairman, the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group (AATSG). During the campaigns for the 2023 general elections, he and members of his group toured round the nooks and crannies of the nation, preaching the gospel of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and why he should be elected as the nation’s president.
Otunba Odunowo, during the campaigns maintained that the AATSG was the largest of all the support groups that campaigned for the enthronement of Tinubu. Since the election of Tinubu, he has not wavered in his support for the President. Rather, he has continued to support President Tinubu, appealing to all Nigerians to continue to support the administration not minding the hunger and suffering in the land, as he believes that whatever challenges Nigerians are facing now is temporary.
Thus, during a recent meeting with Sunday Independent, Odunowo understandably renewed his support for Tinubu, even as he appealied to Nigerians to continue to be patient with the administration.
He noted that Nigeria has long grappled with numerous challenges, including economic instability, inadequate infrastructure, deteriorating healthcare systems, and local governance issues.
Odunowo maintained that the populace has been burdened by fuel subsidies that strain public resources and a lack of educational investments that marginalise the future of Nigeria’s youth. He admitted sadly too, that the nation has been plagued by insecurity, inefficiencies in energy, and a stagnant economy that has left millions vulnerable and disenfranchised.
He stated: “The dire circumstances have compounded feelings of hopelessness, particularly among younger generations who aspire for opportunities that seem increasingly out of reach.
“Citizens have demanded a government that acts decisively to resolve these pressing issues, restore public trust, and re-establish Nigeria’s global standing. The discontent has manifested in civil unrest, economic decline, and a significant brain drain as talents seek refuge in more stable environments.
“Amidst this turbulent backdrop, the need for bold, transformative governance has never been more urgent.
“Enter the Renewed Hope Government, whose reign over the past 17 months has been marked by progressive policies and strategic initiatives designed to propel Nigeria towards a brighter future.
“This administration has undertaken groundbreaking steps to address existing issues while laying a foundation for sustainable development across various sectors.”
Odunowo maintained that one of the paramount achievements of this administration is the commitment to local government autonomy, which he stressed, has empowered local authorities to manage their resources effectively, fostering accountability and enhancing citizen engagement.
Also, he argued that the initiation of Students Loan Scheme aims to alleviate the financial burdens on students, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
In Odonowo’s view the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy presents a bold move that, while initially painful, promises to redirect funds into crucial public services and infrastructure projects.
He argued: “In a demonstration of commitment to innovation, the NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion and Training Centre has been established, signifying Nigeria’s dedication to cleaner energy sources.
“Economically, the government has successfully increased foreign reserves from $33 billion to $37 billion, enhancing fiscal stability and investor confidence. Additionally, power generation has peaked at a three-year high of over 5,000MW, addressing one of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure gaps and supporting industrial growth.
“The government’s efforts to stabilise the economy are further underscored by the clearance of an outstanding N12 billion owed to various national sports teams, and a substantial investment of $100 million in the proposed African Energy Bank. This fuels aspirations to elevate Nigeria as a central player in the African energy sector, further demonstrated through the $7 billion FX backlog clearance.
“Furthermore, healthcare initiatives have taken centre stage with the ambitious goal of increasing Functional Primary Healthcare Centres from 8,809 to over 17,000, coupled with an investment of N683 billion in tertiary institutions.
“Additional safety nets, including the N9 billion allocation for group life assurance for federal workers and the clearance of a N18.4 billion assurance fund for fallen servicemen, showcase the government’s commitment to welfare and dignity.”
Continuing, the AATSG boss stated that on the infrastructure front, the government has inaugurated major projects, such as the 132KV transmission line in Ondo, and approved contracts for the 1000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway. He stressed that the relaunching of the Abuja Light Rail commercialisation and the construction of the 700km Calabar-Lagos Superhighway have invigorated transportation networks, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
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He listed the administration’s economic revitalization strategies to include the Consumer Credit Scheme and a N75 billion loan for MSMEs, which he stated, are crucial for driving domestic production and reducing dependency on imports.
“With measures that also include the increment of the minimum wage, an increased NYSC allowance, and substantial upgrades to healthcare infrastructure through a $250 million GAVI grant, the Renewed Hope Government has outlined a robust framework for social and economic reform.
“The Renewed Hope Government has not merely reacted to Nigeria’s pressing challenges, but has proactively implemented a wide-ranging and ambitious agenda. This government’s transformative policies hint at a brighter, more resilient future for Nigeria – one where citizens can thrive, unencumbered by the weight of systemic issues that have long held them back.
“As the country navigates these significant changes, the hope for a renewed Nigeria is palpable, and the time for collective progress is now,” he stressed.
On the recent nationwide peaceful protests by youth activists against hardship, hunger, and bad governance, Odunowo described these engagements as a dangerous threat that must be taken seriously.
These mass protests, which he termed as insurrection, he maintained should stop while Nigerians should be patient and allow the reforms of President Tinubu to succeed.
He, however, blamed the opposition as the brains behind these protests, which in parts of the North, turned violent at a time, even as they pitched the government’s security agencies against the people.
On these protests, Odunowo stated: “The greed and selfishness of some aggrieved politicians who believe that political bad manners will lead us to a better place is a dangerous ideology that can create a monster that we have no control over.
“In recent times, we have seen terrible words being thrown around like ‘End bad government’, as if overthrowing the government is a solution to all our problems. However, history has shown us that mass action should only be used as a last resort, and even then, it must be done in a responsible and calculated manner.
“Martin Luther King Jr. once stated that any leadership that wants to use mass action must pass four tests. Firstly, they must demonstrate that they have a legitimate grievance and are not using mass action for personal gain or revenge.
“Secondly, they must show that they have exhausted all other means of resolving the issue, such as petitions and negotiations. Thirdly, they must ensure that they do not cause harm or injustice to others in their pursuit of justice.
“Finally, they must have a clear plan for how they intend to bring about positive change without causing further harm.”
Odunowo mentioned the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, which he said, failed to pass these four tests, as it devolved into violence and chaos, resulting in loss of life and property.
According to him, the August 1 to 10, 2024 mass protests and the latest one carried out on October 1, 2024 threatened the nation like the #EndSARS, with calls for destabilising the country in the hopes of bringing about change. Odunowo reminded the agitators that real change takes time and effort, and cannot be achieved through mass protests alone.
He stressed: “Yes, prices of commodities are high, the minimum wage is insufficient for survival, and the cost of petrol is exorbitant. These are valid concerns that need to be addressed by the government.
“However, simply protesting and causing chaos will not magically make these issues disappear. It is important for us as a nation to come together and find constructive ways to address these challenges. This is what true patriotism is all about.
“We have 36 Governors and 774 Local Government Chairmen who have not engaged with the people on these pressing issues. It is time for them to step up and listen to the voices of the people, to work towards finding solutions that benefit all members of society.
“Instead of resorting to violence and destruction, let us use our voices and actions to bring about positive change in a peaceful and responsible manner. The path to true change and progress is not through greed, selfishness, and bad governance. It is through unity, dialogue, and collaboration.
“Let us learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a better future for all Nigerians. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and build a nation we can all be proud of. Let us embrace patriotism and work towards a brighter tomorrow.”
