President Tinubu Reassures Food Security, Pledges to Reduce Living CostsPresident Tinubu Reassures Food Security, Pledges to Reduce Living Costs President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of living for Nigerian citizens. At the launch of the book, “My Life in the Public Eye” by former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, Tinubu emphasized the government’s short-term measures to tackle rising food prices. These measures include temporarily suspending tariffs on imported grains and essential foodstuffs. Tinubu stressed that these actions aim to address food shortages and improve affordability for consumers. However, he also underlined the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency, encouraging local production to meet national food needs. In addition to addressing immediate food security challenges, Tinubu praised Chief Osoba’s significant contributions to journalism and politics. He highlighted Osoba’s role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy movement that played a crucial role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy. The President emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming current challenges. He urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to improve living conditions and expressed gratitude for Osoba’s continued good health and active lifestyle. Other attendees at the event, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, commended Osoba’s exemplary leadership and contributions to public service. They called on Nigerians to celebrate their leaders and those who have served them while they are still alive. The launch of the book, “My Life in the Public Eye,” coincides with Chief Osoba’s upcoming 85th birthday. The event featured goodwill messages from prominent figures such as former Commonwealth Minister Chief Emeka Anyaoku, business magnates Mike Adenuga and Aliko Dangote, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat.
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing food security in the country and reducing the cost of living for citizens.
He said the government’s recent decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential foodstuffs, a policy announced earlier this week by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, is a short-term measure to address rising food prices across the country.
Speaking at the public launch of the book “My Life in the Public Eye” by former Hovernor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba in Lagos, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that these measures are specifically aimed at addressing food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.
According to him: “We are taking steps to address the food shortage by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items.”
He stressed that this action is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the living conditions of all Nigerians.
While addressing short-term challenges, President Tinubu also stressed the importance of food self-sufficiency in the long term.
“We will continue to encourage local production and ensure that we produce locally what we eat and use,” he added.
The President praised Chief Osoba, whom he fondly called “Aremo 1”, for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.
President Tinubu pointed to Osoba’s role as a two-time Governor of Ogun State and his significant involvement in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a coalition formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.
The coalition’s main objective was to pressure the military government, then led by General Sani Abacha, to relinquish power and restore democracy in Nigeria.
NADECO was made up of several pro-democracy activists, politicians and civil society leaders. Notable members included Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba
“We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his sacrifices,” President Tinubu said.
He encouraged other leaders to follow Osoba’s example by writing books to share their experiences and advise future generations.
The President also stressed the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it an important lesson for the nation, especially in difficult times.
“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” said President Tinubu, who urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to improve living conditions.
As the event coincided with Chief Osoba’s upcoming 85th birthday, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Osoba’s continued good health and active lifestyle, wishing him many more years of good health.
Earlier, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the celebrant as someone who has been honoured by God with long life.
He said Chief Osoba has contributed a lot to humanity and has over the years helped shape the future of democracy in Ogun State and Nigeria.
“We thank the celebrant for launching a book today. By putting his thoughts on paper, he has helped guide the younger generation. His contributions to democracy and journalism are immense,” he said.
Akpabio called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu in his quest to ensure all citizens benefit from good governance.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed appreciation for the celebrant’s commendable qualities, which he said are worthy of emulation.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the celebrant as a great figure who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and as a result was awarded many chieftaincy titles and honours.
“He has left a mark on public service and journalism in Nigeria and beyond. His qualities are worthy of emulation and a benchmark for our future generations,” he said.
The Governor added that Chief Osoba has contributed a lot to the socio-economic development of Ogun State.
“We will continue to celebrate you and I call on Nigerians to celebrate their leaders and those who served them while they are still alive,” he added.
There were goodwill messages from former Commonwealth Minister, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, business magnates Mike Adenuga and Aliko Dangote, as well as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat.
Deji Elumoye
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