Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place greater emphasis on alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, urging him to prioritize their welfare amid the ongoing financial challenges.
Osinbajo made this appeal during the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference. He highlighted the critical need for implementing effective social welfare programs and making healthcare more accessible, especially as citizens grapple with escalating costs of essential items like food, transportation, and housing.
“The current cost of living is overwhelming the resilience and hope of Nigerians,” Osinbajo said. He drew attention to the worsening issue of food insecurity, which disproportionately affects children, stressing that stronger support systems are urgently required to address the population’s basic needs.
In his address, Osinbajo also underscored the literacy crisis plaguing the northern region of Nigeria, where over 67% of women remain illiterate. He noted that such widespread illiteracy creates substantial barriers to social and economic development.
“A nation where half the population is hindered by illiteracy and social disempowerment will inevitably struggle with sustainable progress,” Osinbajo remarked, pressing for comprehensive interventions that can tackle these fundamental issues, including initiatives aimed at increasing literacy and empowering citizens economically.
Reflecting on the theme of the WIMBIZ conference, “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo lauded the organization’s ongoing efforts to drive positive change and resilience in the face of adversity.
“It’s not just about having dreams or launching new ventures,” he stated. “True impact comes from the strength to endure and persevere despite the challenges.”
Osinbajo’s remarks resonated with the conference’s focus on empowering women in management, business, and public service, aligning with broader national efforts to boost economic inclusion and social welfare.
