President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's New Year message to Nigerians has sparked a mix of optimism and criticism. In his address, Tinubu highlighted the country's economic achievements in 2024, including increased foreign reserves, a stronger naira, and record-breaking stock market performance. However, he also acknowledged the persistent challenges of inflation and high commodity prices, pledging to tackle these issues head-on.
One of the key initiatives announced by Tinubu is the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company, which aims to expand access to credit for underserved groups, particularly women and youth. This move is expected to stimulate local manufacturing of critical goods and promote financial inclusivity. Tinubu emphasized the importance of achieving the government's ambitious goal of reducing inflation from 34.6% to 15%, stating that "with diligent work and God's help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people."
Tinubu also urged state governments to align with federal efforts to reduce transportation costs through the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program. He commended states that have already adopted CNG-powered public transportation and electric vehicles, describing them as crucial steps toward a sustainable energy future.
Despite the optimism expressed by Tinubu, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the government's handling of economic reforms, alleging inefficiency and corruption. The PDP has called on the President to address pressing issues like insecurity and widespread hunger more urgently.
In response to criticism, Tinubu remains committed to his policies, emphasizing the need for unity and collective effort to build a prosperous nation. He reiterated his commitment to policies that will drive growth, reduce inequality, and restore confidence in the country's economic trajectory.
As 2025 unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if Tinubu's administration can deliver on its promises. With the National Values Charter and Youth Conference slated for the first quarter of 2025, there is hope that these initiatives will foster patriotism, ethical governance, and active participation in nation-building among young Nigerians.
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