Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the severe economic challenges impacting millions of Nigerians. Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, Osinbajo urged the government to implement social welfare programs and policies aimed at easing daily living costs, which he noted have become overwhelming for many Nigerians.
“The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for survival,” Osinbajo stated, emphasizing the struggles families face amid rising prices for essentials. “Children are suffering from the impact of rising food prices, and we must address this crisis,” he added, calling for stronger social safety nets to help meet basic needs like food, transportation, and housing.
The former Vice President also drew attention to Nigeria’s educational challenges, particularly low literacy rates among women in northern Nigeria, where over 67% of women are reported to be illiterate. He warned that Nigeria’s growth will be stunted if half the population remains without access to education and economic opportunities.
“A country where half the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if not impossible,” Osinbajo cautioned.
Offering solutions, he emphasized the need to invest in education and promote economic independence, particularly for women. “We must invest in education and provide opportunities for economic independence for our people, especially women. This is a critical part of creating a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
Osinbajo’s remarks resonate with growing concerns nationwide about rising living costs and limited access to essential services.