Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has revealed that Nigeria would have spent N5.4 trillion on fuel subsidies by the end of 2024 if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hadn’t intervened. This amount is alarmingly close to the federal government’s N6.7 trillion budget for the year.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that President Tinubu’s bold move saved the country from potential bankruptcy, and the saved funds will now be invested in infrastructure development across Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to engage the government constructively rather than resorting to protests and violence.
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s measures to cushion the effects of subsidy removal, including deploying CNG buses, energy transition programs with e-bikes, reduced workdays for civil servants, free medical services for the poor and elderly, and completion of farmers’ markets across the state. The Gateway Trading Company will also sell food items at wholesale prices.
At a special church service commemorating Nigeria’s 64th National Day celebration, Diocesan Bishop of Ijebu North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akinwande Godwin Odubena emphasized leadership, unity, and prosperity as crucial for Nigeria’s future. He encouraged leaders to prioritize these values and work towards a better Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun read from 2 Corinthians 11:16-31, while Rt. Rev’d Odubena delivered a message titled “Leading Our Nation Forward in a Time Like This: Lessons from Elisha’s Leadership.
“Let us engage constructively and work with the government, knowing that this administration is an inclusive one,” Governor Abiodun appealed.o