Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently address the widespread economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
Speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service conference, Osinbajo emphasized the need for immediate government action to alleviate the financial difficulties caused by rising living costs.
Osinbajo, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress, stressed the importance of social welfare programs and policies aimed at improving the daily lives of Nigerians, many of whom are struggling with increasing prices for essential goods, according to Politics Nigeria.
He highlighted that the cost of living has become overwhelming for many, making survival increasingly difficult.
The former Vice President also pointed out the severe impact of rising food prices on children, who are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis. He called for stronger social safety nets to ensure that the basic needs of Nigerians are met, particularly in light of the growing hardships faced by families across the country.
In addition to the economic challenges, Osinbajo drew attention to Nigeria’s education crisis, particularly in northern regions where literacy rates are alarmingly low.
He warned that Nigeria’s long-term development would be severely limited if a significant portion of the population remains excluded from education and economic opportunities.
Osinbajo emphasized that a country where large segments of the population are socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy would face significant barriers to progress.
To address these issues, Osinbajo called for increased investment in education and greater efforts to provide economic opportunities, especially for women. He stressed that these measures are essential for creating a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria.
He said, “The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for survival.
“Children are suffering from the impact of rising food prices, and we must address this crisis.
“We need stronger social safety nets to ensure that the basic needs of our people are met,” he added.
“A country where half the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if not impossible,” he stated.
Proffering solution, the former Vice President said, “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.”