The meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popular Real Madrid defender David Alaba, Prof Emmanuel Iga, a don of Geopolitics and International Business, and other Nigerian professionals in the diaspora has been revealed.
Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, said in a statement on Friday that Tinubu assured Nigerians that the education and health sectors would be repositioned, while ongoing economic reforms would be sustained and expanded to alleviate the burden of poverty and insecurity on families.
“To all of you, our hope is renewed,” he said, welcoming many suggestions in the future for the economy and explaining some of the short-term and long-term frameworks for providing growth opportunities for individuals, families and institutions.
“We have transport challenges, electricity challenges, infrastructural challenges and others. I let out the giant elephant of fuel subsidy without bringing down the house,” he said, adding: “Our diversity is our asset if we know how to use it.
“We must promote unity and stability for all. Whether you voted for me during the elections or not, I am your President. I will work on your behalf to ensure a turning point of prosperity”.
The President said he was presented with an option of meeting with a handful of Nigerians in France, but he preferred a larger number, pledging to be persistent, determined and focused on reforms for a better country.
Tinubu stressed that the fuel subsidy was a “scam” and disincentive to growth as it rewarded smugglers and reduced the burden of the cost of the commodity for some countries.
Prof Iga lauded the President for the great steps taken in three weeks to reposition the economy.
“You have shown we have a committed and competent leader. You are the first President of Nigeria who has no godfather. You are your godfather.
“We are impressed with the removal of subsidies and streamlining of foreign exchange. We will wait for the palliatives,” Iga said.
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