The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that without President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to curb fuel subsidy, Nigeria would have spent a staggering N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024.
Governor Abiodun highlighted that such spending would have been detrimental, considering the Federal Government’s budget of N6.7 trillion for the same year.
He made this remark during a special service at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, marking the 64th National Day celebration.
According to him, these funds can now be redirected to improve infrastructure nationwide.
“The Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, swiftly undertook bold initiatives to reshape our economy and prevent financial collapse. We must remain resilient.
“President Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy, which would have cost us N5.4 trillion by the close of 2024 if left unchecked.
“We were effectively subsidizing neighboring countries; these funds can now be channeled into infrastructure and public services.
“Our budget this year for infrastructure is N6.7 trillion, but without the subsidy removal, N5.4 trillion would have been consumed,” Abiodun elaborated.
Prince Abiodun also urged Nigerians to engage the government constructively, warning against joining movements that promote unrest, as protests only result in public property damage
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“Let us be resilient, continue to pray, and maintain our faith in God.
“Do not join those inciting unrest or calling for protests that result in vandalism and looting.
“Instead, engage with the government constructively, remembering that this administration is inclusive,” he emphasized.
The Governor further noted that his administration is actively working to ease the impact of current challenges. Initiatives include deploying CNG buses, launching e-bike programs, reducing workdays for civil servants from five to three, and offering free medical services to vulnerable populations.
He added that the state will soon complete farmers’ markets in all four zones and launch the Gateway Trading Company to provide food at wholesale prices.
“We are close to completing farmers’ markets across all zones, ensuring food is sold affordably.
“Very soon, our Gateway Trading Company will begin operations, selling various items at wholesale prices across the state. We remain committed to cushioning the effects of the current economic realities,” he stated.
Earlier, in a sermon titled “Leading Our Nation Forward in a Time Like This: Lessons from Elisha’s Leadership,” Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akinwande Godwin Odubena of Ijebu North Diocese stressed the critical role leadership plays in shaping a nation’s future. Drawing from 2 Kings 7:1, he highlighted Nigeria’s current struggles with hyperinflation, oil theft, unemployment, and insecurity.
Rt. Rev’d Odubena encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and place their trust in God’s plan, advocating for unity and prosperity in Ogun State and the nation.
He urged leaders to confront the challenges of hardship and hunger head-on, while calling on the congregation to speak positively about the country and its leaders.
Odubena also urged the populace to resort to dialogue with the government, cautioning against protests and destruction of public property, and advised parents and guardians to guide their children.
The Bible reading for the service was taken from 2 Corinthians 11:16-31 by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
