The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the impact of its Renewed Hope Agenda, urging the Federal Government to take urgent steps to ensure that Nigerians feel meaningful relief from the economic hardship confronting the country.
The organisation made the call in an Independence Day message signed by its General Secretary, Moyoloye Oloruntimilehin Julius, and Convener, Odofin Oluwafemi (C-Banking), as Nigeria commemorated its 66th Independence anniversary on Thursday.
The group felicitated Nigerians at home and abroad and honoured the sacrifices of the nation’s past heroes, while acknowledging the contributions of successive leaders who have steered the country since independence.
It also acknowledged the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, including its various interventions, economic policies, development initiatives and the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads across the country.
However, the scholars said the Federal Government must give urgent attention to the hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians.
The organisation identified hunger, rising transportation costs, declining businesses and multidimensional poverty among the realities requiring immediate government intervention.
“As scholars and citizens, we must respectfully draw the President’s attention to the hardship confronting Nigerians,” the organisation said.
It urged the Federal Government to fulfil its electoral promises, particularly by pursuing measures capable of reducing the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and easing the economic burden on ordinary Nigerians.
The Ondo State-based organisation also raised concerns about the condition and progress of federal infrastructure projects in the state.
While appreciating the dualisation of the Akure-Ado Road, the group expressed concern over reports of abandonment of portions of the project.
It said similar concerns had been raised over the Akure-Ore Road and other federal road projects in Ondo State, urging the government to address the issues and ensure that projects intended to improve transportation and economic activities are completed.
The Scholars Arena also raised questions over the reported alignment of the proposed coastal road and its implications for Ondo State.
It appealed to President Tinubu to clarify the approved route of the project and ensure that Ondo State receives fair and appropriate consideration.
The organisation argued that Ondo State’s strategic coastline and economic significance should be taken into account in determining the route of the project.
It stressed that transparency, equity, technical considerations and the overall national interest should guide every decision concerning the coastal road.
The group also urged the Federal Government to engage relevant stakeholders in Ondo State and address the concerns being expressed by residents regarding the proposed route.
Beyond infrastructure, the scholars called on the Federal Government to strengthen national security, improve agriculture, boost exports and reduce excessive dependence on imports.
They also urged the government to strengthen healthcare, promote commerce and develop tourism as part of efforts to improve economic opportunities and living conditions across the country.
The organisation said policies capable of creating opportunities for young Nigerians could help reduce the pressure on youths to seek better prospects abroad.
On local government administration, the group called for local government autonomy to become a practical reality, insisting that funds meant for grassroots development should reach local governments directly and be transparently deployed for the benefit of citizens.
The organisation said it would continue to support government initiatives where they are succeeding while constructively pointing out areas requiring improvement.
“At Scholars Arena, we believe Nigeria can do better,” the group said, adding that it remained committed to contributing its intellectual resources to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria.
It urged Nigerians and government authorities to use the Independence anniversary as an opportunity to renew their commitment to building a country where development, economic opportunity, security and good governance are accessible to citizens.
The organisation concluded by calling for renewed efforts toward addressing the challenges facing Nigerians and ensuring that the promise of a better Nigeria translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.