President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that his administration is working to ensure that the country works in favour of every citizen by correcting the mistakes of the past governments.
While speaking during the 48th convocation ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr. Tinubu acknowledged the untold hardship Nigerians are passing through.
He noted that his government will not dwell on blame game but ready to change the country for better through sound economic reforms.
Represented by Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economy in the Office of the Vice President, he stated that while the reforms aim to create a better future, Nigerians must endure some hardships in the short term.
“Fellow Nigerians, I am not unaware of the harsh economic situation of our country, neither do I take pleasure in inflicting pains and anguish on my compatriots. However, we were faced with the stark reality of results of some policies hitherto executed by past administrations but which had no direct positive impact on the generality of our people,” Tinubu said. “We have gladly accepted the assets and liability of our heroes past without any intention of apportioning blames or pointing an accusing finger at any individual or group of people.
“As we are trying to fix, reconfigure, and correct past mistakes and errors, we implore all Nigerians to cooperate with us, to endure this unintentional hardship so that, like the graduates of today, we all can celebrate and be celebrated at the end of the day. I am certainly seeing the light at the end of our tunnel,” he added.
Meanwhile, during his address, the Chancellor of OAU, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, highlighted the critical role of education in national development, stressing its importance in keeping pace with global progress.
The university’s Pro-Chancellor, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, encouraged the 977 graduating students to use their acquired knowledge to build a nation rich in opportunities for future generations.
However, a highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary Doctorate Degrees on prominent individuals, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, and Daere Afonya-A Akobo.