Be Committed To Tinubu’s Success, APC Chieftain Appeals To Govs

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to the 36 state governors to show more commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to end economic hardship in the country.

Oyintiloye declared that sincere commitment of the governors to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, irrespective of their political affiliations, would put the country on the path of economic prosperity.

The APC Chieftain, who made the remarks while speaking with newsmen on Sunday, in Osogbo, said having examined critically, various interventions by the federal government channeled through states since the removal of fuel subsidy, it is clear some governors must do more to assist the president in meeting Nigerians’ expectations.

The ex lawmaker said the governors must show more commitment to the welfare of the masses, by working for the success of the interventions, rather than being suspected to be laid back.

According to him, the various financial interventions by the federal government to the states to alleviate poverty, have not reflected in the overall well being of the masses.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council subsequently said without the sincere support of the governors, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president for the masses may be difficult to achieve.

“If truly some of the governors are sincerely with president in the delivery of good governance, the recent hunger protest could have been averted.

Expressing concerns that some governors were alleged of diversion or repackaging of bags of rice and other grains sent to states to alleviate the suffering of the masses, Oyintiloye further said, “For us to move forward and to minimise poverty, the governors must be ready to support the president.

“Although, there are some governors who are doing their best to support the presidents, but are being suspected of not doing enough.

“The whole burden cannot be on the president alone, the sincerity of the governor is important, especially by cutting wasteful spending and corrupt act.

“It is not a time for buck passing. Masses are at the mercy of our governors. They are the ones we can see easily. The President is obviously doing a lot to bring down the sufferings but could that be said of the governors?”

Oyintiloye said although various unavoidable policies by the president to rejig the economy may be creating pain at the moment, but the overall benefits would be a great blessings to the masses.

He said the recent hunger protest, which led to the looting, killing and destruction of property was not a solution to the country’s problems.

Oyintiloye, however, appealed to Nigerians to give the president more time to fulfill his electoral promises, adding that 12 months was too small to rectify years of rot in the country’s economy.

On Sun, 4 Aug 2024, 2:18 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Listen to president, discontinue protest, APC chieftain appeals to protesters

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Osun has urged the organisers of the End hunger protest to listen to President Bola Tinubu and end the protest.

Oyintiloye said that since the president had acknowledged that he had heard their grievances loud and clear, they should embrace dialogue as suggested.

The APC Chieftain, who said this while speaking with news men on Sunday in Osogbo, said that
the wanton destruction of property, looting, and killing of innocent Nigerians could not be justified in the name of a protest.

He said that the reported killing of about 10 persons in Niger, Borno and Kano, kaduna during the protest was disheartening.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), who noted that there was no doubt that there is hunger in the country, said going violent against the government and the people was not the best way to address the present situation.

He said shutting a fragile economy like Nigeria, for 10 days, would be counter-productive, as it may resulted in more sufferings for the masses.

The APC chieftain also said destruction of the federal government’s multi-million naira digital innovation park in Kano, among others, was disheartening.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said there was no doubt that it is a constitutional right to protest within the ambits of fundamental human rights, but the protest should be properly managed not to snowball into riots.

He said that the protest, which had resulted in killing, looting and destruction could no longer be described as a protest, but a riot.

According to him, such riot act will contravene section 71 of the Criminal Code Acts of Nigeria that is explicit stated that “Any person who takes part in a riot is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.

” Therefore, protesters must be careful not to allow their activities to be interpreted as a riot that is a punishable offence.”

Oyintiloye said while the organisers of the protest might have a genuine reasons to hold a peaceful protest, they were some individuals, who could be described as enemies of the nation, who might want to use the protest to destabilise the government.

He appealed to the youths and the organisers to embrace dialogue, adding that President Bola Tinubu meant well for the country.

” I want to appeal to the youth and the organiser of the hunger protest to embrace dialogue and give the president the opportunity to do the needful.

“Protest is a constitutional right, but Killings, looting and destruction of both government and private property is not permitted by the law.

” Let’s be cautious of the fact there are some disgruntled individuals who are planning to use the protest to destabilise the government. We must not allow this.

” There is no doubt that there is hunger and poverty in the land, but we can be rest assured that the president is doing his best to improve the economy, but this can not be achieved within a year.

” Let’s give the president the chance to address the situation, and let’s embrace dialogue for the peace and stability of the country. The president has spoken, lets listen to him and give the administration more time,” he said.

Oyintiloye, who commended the security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding lives and property during the protest, urged them to continue to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

He also appealed to the protesters not to provoke the security agencies, whose responsibility is to maintain law and order in the society.

On Thu, 25 Jul 2024, 9:40 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Tinubu capable of providing solutions, shun protest, APC Chieftain begs Nigerians

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth to shun the proposed protest and keep faith in President Bola Tinubu’s capability to revamp the economy.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said that Nigerians should see a promising future in the present administration’s framework that will pulled the country out of the current economic quagmire inherited from the past administrations.

The APC chieftain, who made the remarks, while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo, said that Nigerians’ expectation to get dividends of democracy in the present administration is expectedly high owing to their trust in Tinubu’s pedigree as an astute manager of men and resources.

He, however, said the government is working tirelessly to meet the expectations, but the inherited economic challenges, global economic crisis, coupled with the unavoidable policies introduced by the present administration, were gradually moving towards fruition.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that the the intention of the president by removing the fuel subsidy, merger of the foreign exchange, among other policies was to improve the economy and not to inflict pains on Nigerians.

The APC chieftain said that Nigerians should give more time for president to fully develop the economy, which is going through the recovery process.

” With all sense of humility and modesty, we must appreciate the people of this country for their endurance, perseverance and unflinching support as we are passing through the dark tunnel.

“But one thing that is certain is that after this temporary pains, we shall all live in abundance.

“Although the task is herculean but we are gradually navigating through the storm and challenges the country is passing through.

” In the real sense of it, this present government is working tirelessly on how to stabilise the economy, foreign exchange rates, inflation, and price control.

“With the initiatives and programme design for good governance by the president, we are getting to the coast of self-sufficiency and economic stability.

“Our people should believe in the leadership of the president and the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, in due course, we shall laugh last.

“I strongly believe that with a little patience from Nigerians, we shall soon live in abundance. Let’s exercise a little patience.”

Oyintiloye, who noted that the president felt the pain Nigerians are passing through, said that was why he pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with him.

He said that the president has a listening hear and he would do the needful to address the concerns of all Nigerians.

On Sun, 21 Jul 2024, 11:29 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Ignore critics of tariffs suspension on food importation, APC chieftain tells Tinubu

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has urged President Bola Tinubu, to ignore those criticising him for the suspension of tariffs, duties and taxes on the importation of food grains and other products to the country.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) said it is either those criticising the policy were benefiting from the economic challenges that the Nigerian masses are facing, or are planning to push the masses against the president by causing unnecessary unrest in the society.

The APC chieftain, who made the remarks, while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that Nigerians were highly hopeful and were eager to get a dividend of the democracy as quickly as possible

He, however, said that the global economic crisis, couple with unavoidable policies introduced by the present administration, were mitigating against Renewed Hope Agenda of the president but step taken in recent time to revamp the economy are beginning to yield desired results.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that although the tariff suspension might not be the lasting solution to the food crisis in the country, but it will cushion the effects of food crisis ravaging the country in short term, adding that the president should be commended for taking the bold step.

The APC chieftain said that for the president to give relief to the consumer on certain products against Trade Policy on Import ban, it shows that his administration was responsible and responsive to the outcry of Nigerians.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government on July 8 announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who made this known during a press briefing at in Abuja, said that the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will enjoy a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window.

Oyintiloye said that the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics that the food inflation in the country rose to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.53. per cent in April was a signal that the government needed to take a bold step as the president did to address the situation.

“I want to commend the bold step by the president on the tariffs suspension on the food importation.

“Although, this might not be the permanent solution to the food crisis in the country, but it will go a long way in ameliorating the situation.

“The president should ignore the criticism by those who see nothing good in the decision.

“Nigeria voted for good governance, high standard of living, and in other to achieve this and many others, president should be focus on how to improve the economy and lifts the country out of inherited economic quagmire and ignore the critics,” he said.

Oyintiloye, who noted that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigerian life, said the government should not relent in its aggressive efforts to make food available in abundance.

The APC chieftain, however, urged government at all levels to discard the old subsistence system of farming, storing, and processing and embrace mechanised systems of farming

Oyintiloye also said the government should empower and encourage farmers with soft loans and subsidise farming implements for genuine farmers, provide adequate security, and integrate the youth into agriculture systems

“I strong believe that with all the interventions government has put in place to tackle food crisis in the country, the projection of the Minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, that government will crash food prices in the next 180 days is achievable”, he said.

On Sun, 7 Jul 2024, 10:50 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
APC chieftain urges Tinubu to tackle hunger, starvation in the country

Hon.Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the issue of hunger and starvation ravaging the country to save the masses and provide them decent living.

Oyintiloye, while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that Nigerians were hungry and living below the poverty line.

The APC chieftain said that due to the prevailing harsh economy in the country, many households were finding it difficult to have three square meals.

Oyintiloye also urged the president not to ignore the United Nations’ prediction that 82 million Nigerians, which is about 64 per cent of the country’s population, may go hungry by 2030.

He further said that the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) data revealed that the food inflation rate in the country hit a record high 40.66 per cent in May, surpassing the previous month’s of 40.53 increase

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), also said the common household food items were getting out of the reach of the common man due to the hike in prices.

The APC chieftain noted that despite the fact that Nigerians were working hard under different dehumanising conditions, what they were earning was still not enough to sustain them and their families due to inflation.

According to him, despite the abundance in natural and human resources the country is blessed with, successive governments have failed to drive the economy productively.

He said corruption and over dependence on the system of sharing crude oil revenue by the tiers of government was hindering them from running a productive and self-sufficient economy for the benefit of the masses.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, who noted that there was no doubt that the president was doing everything possible to salvage the situation through various intervention programmes, he however said that the impacts of such interventions were far from ameliorating the situation.

He said prices of basic households food items such as rice, beans, garri, spaghetti, and host others were on a high side and becoming unaffordable by the masses.

Oyintiloye noted that it was rather unfortunate that with all the efforts of the president, prices of food and other essentials had continued to be on the increase.

” I will want to urge the president to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency on hunger, starvation, and poverty in the country.

“Hunger is a threat to national peace, and that is why the president must act very fast,”he said.

Oyintiloye also said there is a need for the government to put in place the price control mechanism to checkmate the sharp practices by the traders in the market.

He said many of the traders were taking undue advantage of the economy to exploit buyers , adding that there is an urgent need to check their excesses.

Oyintiloye, however, urged the president to consider the reopening of the Benin Republic border for the importation of food to solve the problem of food crisis in the country.

He also said that issue of inadequate farm inputs and that of insecurity must also be addressed for farmers to cultivate in their various farmland, while good incentives should be made available to agriculture to attract the younger ones.

Oyintiloye also appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the president, adding that things with all the various ongoing economic intervention programmes, the country would rise again.

On Sun, 23 Jun 2024, 10:49 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Cholera Outbreak: Tinubu’s N260 bn intervention on PHCs timely, commendable.

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has said that the release of N260 billion by President Bola Tinubu, for the revitalisation of Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the country is timely at this period of cholera outbreak.

Oyintiloye, who said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that with the recent outbreak of cholera an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium”Vibrio cholerae”
in Lagos and other parts of the country, primary health care centers have been recieving and providing care for most of those affected.

According to him, the first level of contact of individuals, families and communities is PHCs, lamenting however that many of it in the country lack capacity to provide essential health care services due to challenges such as inadequate equipment, poor condition of service and infrastructure, lack of staffing and essential drugs, among others

The APC chieftain, however, appealed to state governors not to divert the money, but they should rather use it wisely to equip the PHCs in their states in the interest of the masses that would use the facility.

He said with the recent report that the death toll from cholera outbreak has risen to 40, PHCs which is always the first port of call for people, especially the rural dwellers, seeking medicare, such an important care provider should be strengthened.

Oyintiloye, former lawmaker, recalled that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, had on May 24 said N260 billion had been earmarked for the revitalisation of PHCs across the country.

The APC chieftain, who said Pate disclosed this Abuja at the sectoral ministerial press briefing to mark the first anniversary of the President in office, noted that the minister also said the N260 billion is “sitting right now at the states’ level”.

He said the disclosure by the minister at the briefing that plans were underway to expand the PHCs from 8,300 to 17,000 through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and make them functional to deliver essential services was also commendable.

Oyintiloye, however, expressed worry that, if the fund, which is already at the state level, according the minister, is not monitored, it could be diverted and the PHCs might not have the needed capacity to tackle the cholera outbreak and other diseases in the country.

He, however, urged the president to ensure that a strict measure is put in place for the effective utilisation of the money.

“I commend the president for prioritising the health of Nigerians with the release of N260 billion to revitalise the dilapidated PHCs in the country.

“The only fear I have now is how this fund will not be diverted by the governors at this critical period of cholera outbreak.

“The PHCs in the country is currently at its worst level and that is why the fund released for its revitalisation must not be allowed to be mismanaged.

“Since all the states of the federation have been mobilised for the revitalisation of the PHCs, governors should not allow greed to prevent them from doing the right thing.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) said that for Nigeria to improve its poor health indices, there is need to prioritise and improve the PHC facilities in the country to be able to withstand sudden outbreak of diseases such as cholera and others.

He also urged Nigerians to cultivate habits of cleanliness and in the same vein, government must start creating awareness, educating people on hand washing with soap and water, desist from open defecation, among others.

On Sun, 9 Jun 2024, 11:58 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Economy: APC Chieftain, Oyintiloye appeals to Tinubu to stop exit of multinational companies

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the recent exit of multinational companies from Nigeria as a worrisome development.

Oyintiloye appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to continue to do everything possible to improve on the economy and attract more investment to the country, rather than for the ones operating within her territory to exit.

The APC chieftain made the remarks while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that the continuous exit of multinational companies in Nigeria, if not checked, could lead to reduction in foreign investment inflows, massive job losses, reduction in economy output, among others.
The APC chieftain said the recent announcement by Kimberly-Clark, the on multinational and makers of Huggies to exit the country is a worrisome development.

He also said that GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited and Procter and Gamble planto shift, among others have shut down their operations fully or partially.

According to him, In 2023, Unilever stopped the production of its legendary OMO, Sunlight and Lux home and skin care brands in a bid to cut costs so as to concentrate on higher growth opportunities.

Oyintiloye, who noted that the exit of these multinational companies does not only affect manufacturing alone, noting that the oil sector was also affected.

According to him, no fewer than 26 oil companies and investments pulled out and sold their stakes to domestic investors.

“These include influential oil mining multinationals such as Shell, ExxonMobil and ENI.

” These companies left mainly because of heightened insecurity in the Niger Delta and inability of the government to provide their counterpart funds to enable the joint venture agreements to explore and exploit new oilfields”, he said .

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) said the exit of these companies would not only result job losses but also affects
the value chain and decline in
the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

The APC Chieftain, who admitted that the president was doing everything possible to stabilise the economy, said that there is urgent need for government to address the challenging in business operating environment cited by the companies.

He appealed to President to restore Nigeria as a haven for multinational industries and also empower the Indigenous manufacturing industries.

“There is no doubt that the president has been putting measures in place to revamp the economy, increasing foreign direct investment and also making local industries vibrant and competitive.

” But there is urgent need to address challenges causing the exit of these multinational companies.

“Government should create a more flexible and transparent foreign exchange policy to address scarcity issues , reduce the inflationary trend which has reduced consumers’ demand and purchasing power, Create tax breaks, review economic and fiscal policy .

“The government should also look at how to give incentives to some of the multinationals that are still operating in the country”, he said.

Oyintiloye, however, said that with the various policies put in place by the president to revamp the economy, Nigerians would soon begin to smile.

On Sun, 26 May 2024, 11:50 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Revenue: APC chieftain urges Tinubu to give support to blue economy

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Osun has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to give maximum support to the development of blue economy and make it an alternative to crude oil in terms of revenue generation.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

The APC chieftain said that
harnessing potentials of the marine and blue economy sector
was capable of redefining sustainable growth in National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Oyintiloye said that with the projection by Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the blue economy could generate $20 billion annually and also create two million jobs, thus adding big value to the country’s economy.

The ex lawmaker also said experts have also projected that the untapped potential within the marine and blue economy sector is believed to be worth staggering $296 billion.

” I want to commend the president for the creation of Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

” With the huge potential embedded in it, I believe if well tapped, it can serve as an alternative source of revenue generation for the country.

” And that is why we need to unlock the potentials in the marine and blue economy to revamp dwindling economy and reduce over dependency on crude oil”, he said.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker said that investing in marine and blue economy sector would yield a multitude compelling benefits.

” Not only will it diversify and stimulate economic growth, but it will also play a pivotal role in enhancing marine health and safeguarding oceanic ecosystems.

“By fostering sustainable livelihoods, generating employment opportunities, and bolstering ocean tourism, blue economy will preserve our oceans, while fortifying communities against climate change impacts”, he said.

“Identified fishing as one of the low-hanging fruits and an area the government has to look into and harness by getting more Nigerian fishing trawlers into the fishing business to stem capital flight and retain value locally,”

“He said Nigeria needs to develop a robust maritime educational curriculum that takes technology, trends, and the dynamic nature of the industry into cognizance”

Oyintiloye, who commended Oyetola for what he is doing to tap the blue economic potentials in the sector, said that in no distance time, Nigeria would start to reap the benefits of the marine economy for all round growth.

He, however, said that in order to establish a sustainable development in the ector, it is essential to develop an economic and financial system capable of directing financial resources towards activities related to the ocean like maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.

Oyintiloye said that with various ongoing economic policies put in place by the president, Nigerians would smile again.

He said, “Nigeria economy will feel positive impacts if activities related to the ocean like maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology recieve right investment. This can be done by directing people’s attention to it. Government and individuals must begin to see this sector as the one having huge opportunities for investment and take up the initiative.”

On Sun, 12 May 2024, 1:33 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Economy: Don’t give up on Tinubu’s administration, APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to Nigerians not to give up on the administration of President Bola Tunubu.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council(PCC) made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

He said Tinubu is a true democrat, who will fulfil all his electoral promises for the prosperity of Nigerians

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker , said that various economy policies by the president, such as fuel subsidy removal, unification of naira, among others, which may have created a bit of discomfort, would form a strong foundation upon which a prosperous Nigeria would be built.

The APC chieftain said, although it was obvious that Nigerians were presently experiencing economic hardship, but they should be hopeful for a better and prosperous future.

” There is no doubt that Nigerians are facing hard times, but this is not deliberate nor a sign of failure on the part of the president.

” For us to enjoy a prosperous Nigeria, we must be ready to sacrifice a little and that is what is currently happening.

Mr President meant well for Nigerians. He will not gain anything deliberately inflicting pains on Nigerians.

“All the economy policies put in place by the president that are causing the pains are actually meant to strengthen our economy.

” Don’t give up on the president. He will do better and he will continue to improve on the welfare of Nigerians” he said.

According to Oyintiloye, Tinubu inherited a very bad economy when he came to power and to fix it for the over all benefit of Nigerians will require patience.

The APC Chieftain, however, said that the various interventions the president have been putting in place, were necessary towards revitalising the country’s economy.

He said the revitalisation would be achieved through priority being giving to key areas such as quality agricultural practices, a robust marketing system, quality health system, education, improved electricity, and tackling of corruption.

“Government will continue to strengthen our economy by investing in industries and promoting local production, develop agricultural value chain, which will help reduce our dependence on imports and crude oil”, he said.

Oyintiloye, however, appealed to leaders of the opposition party to guard against utterances and narratives capable of polarising the country.

He said, “the opposition should be patriotic enough to avoid inflammatory statements that could cause chaos in the country. President Tinubu has good intentions and he is working so hard to turn things around for Nigeria.

“The attack on coastal highway initiative by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is one example of too many utterances capable of creating ill feeling s among Nigerians.
“Even as members of party in opposition, they should scrutinise information available to them well and ensure that they are not creating division among Nigerians because unity is what we actually need as a country at the moment.”

On Sun, 14 Apr 2024, 11:10 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Intervene in dangote refinery pump price, APC chieftain appeals to Tinubu

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to ensure downward review of the current pump price of the Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel being produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while addressing a news conference today in Osogbo, said that the N1,225 pump price by the refinery was on a high side for a product coming from an indigenous company.

According to him, there should be a major difference between the pump price of imported diesel and the one coming from an indigenous refinery.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) said Nigerians were of the believe that once Dangote refinery starts producing, it would force price of diesel and other petroleum products down.

The APC chieftain said that the information by the the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria that the product was being brought in by importers at the rate of N1,250 per litre following the appreciation of the naira against the dollar was pointer to the fact that the president’s urgent intervention would be needed in fixing the price of product coming from a local refinery.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker said that since the product was being produced locally without vessel cost, import charges, and other costs associated with the importation of the commodity into Nigeria, the price should be cheaper than what is being imported.

“There is no doubt that Nigerians are happy with the commencement of the operation of the Dangote Refinery. We commend Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the project. It is a huge one for the benefit of our economy.

“That the refinery has started releasing Petroleum products to the market is a thing of joy for all Nigerians and a sign of good things to come. It is what we are all looking forward to, but for it to have a positive impact in our economy, we appeal to president to intervene in fixing the price of the products coming from the refinery.

What will be the justification that a product coming from Lagos is having same cost as the one imported from another continent? Nigerians are sensitive, they will ask questions.

“If some marketers are actually importing diesel at N1,250 according to IPMAN, and Dangote Refinery is selling at N1,225, then what is the essence that a Nigerian company is producing for us?

“Since the product is coming from an indigenous refinery, expenses on logistics in the area of importation, clearing, and other activities associated with bringing products into the country will be very minimal. The managers of the refinery should review the price downward.

“In actual sense, the N1,225 pump price will be too high for other marketers outside Lagos due logistics expenses”, he said.

Oyintiloye, who noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president had started yielding appreciate results, said that in no distance time, other indigenous refineries would be revived, making petroleum products to be cheaper.

On Sun, 7 Apr 2024, 11:53 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Tinubu’s unified exchange rate yielding positive results, says APC chieftain

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun says the strategic policy of President Bola Tunubu, on the unification of exchange rate has started yielding positive results.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council(PCC) said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria as part of measures to control inflation and stabilise the naira, last month raised its benchmark interest rate, known as the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 200 basis points to 24.75 percent from 22.75 percent in February 2024.

The former lawmaker, who noted that although the policy initially led to unsavoury experiences for Nigerians, said that the experience of the past few weeks was an indication that the initiative was beginning to have positive impact on the nation’s economy.

The APC chieftain said the rate at which the naira had been appreciating against the dollar at both parallel and official markets was commendable and a huge relief to Nigerians.

He added that the current growth in the nation’s economy would make it attractive to foreign portfolio investment, stabilise price, and check inflation trend.

Oyintiloye also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for the successful clearance of $7 billion Forex backlog, noting that this will continue to stabilise the exchange rate.

He maintained that the liberation of the foreign exchange market and the continuous appreciation of naira would unlock the huge potentials for investment and restore investors confidence in nigeria’s economy.

He appealed to Nigerians to continue to exercise patience with the president, assuring that things will continue to get better.

“The strategic policy of President Bola Tinubu, on the unification of exchange rate has started yielding positive results.

“With the steady appreciation of naira in the last few weeks, we can begin to say the worst is over.

“In the next few months, we will continue to reap the benefits of the tough economic decisions that was made by the president.

“This will clearly proof to us that the president meant well for all Nigerians in all his economic policies.

“The way the naira is fast appreciating against the dollar and other currency is amazing and I know we will soon be benefiting from it.

” The Renewed Agenda of the president will be fulfilled and Nigerians will surely laugh last”, he said.

Oyintiloye also called on Nigerians to reduce their appetite for foreign goods to fast-track the growth of the nation’s economy.

He said Nigeria as a nation must also cut its dependence on foreign goods, increase local production and enhance entrepreneurship.

The APC Chieftain noted that these would help to strengthen the Naira which was under too much pressure.

” By importing, we are simply developing the economies of the countries we buy from through job creation, value chain maintenance, capacity for product development and other spin-off effects of production.

“We have to feed our population and depend less on importation to fast-track development of our country,” Oyintiloye said.

On Sun, 24 Mar 2024, 1:48 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
APC chieftain appeals to Tinubu to intervene in cooking gas price hike.

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to President Bola Tunubu, to urgently intervene in the high cost of Liquefied Petroleum gas, popularly called cooking gas in the country.

Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that the cost of the cooking gas was becoming unbearable for the masses.

The APC chieftain said although the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on February 22, announced that the federal government had asked LPG producers to stop exporting the commodity, but the decision had not yielded any positive results in the reduction of price of the item locally.

He said rising prices of the item might be as a result of LPG producers secretly exporting the products.

Oyintiloye, a former member of defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said that it was alarming that the cost of refiling a 12.5kg of cylinder in many part of the country now ranges between N17,500 and N18,000.

He said that as a result of this exorbitant prices, many LPG users who could not afford the price were gradually shifting to solid fuel like charcoal and firewood.

Oyintiloye said that the shift to the use of charcoal and firewood by the masses could aggravate climate change challenges and its adverse effects such as deforestation, desertification and soil degradation that could lead to erosion.

According to him, the use of solid fuel can also lead to air pollution with carbon monoxide emitted from solid fuel, which is harmful to human beings because it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the body’s organs.

“This will in turn
pose serious danger to the respiratory organ, fatigue, headaches, confusion, and dizziness to human system due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain, thereby reduces overall well-being of people.

“Human being depend on green plants for our daily supply of oxygen, while giving back carbon dioxide to the plants.

“In an attempt to substitute clean cooking gas for firewoods and charcoal by cutting down green trees, this will affect human survival”, he said.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker however urged the president to take drastic measures to crash the price of the product in the interest of the masses and to save the country’s forest and ecosystem.

He said that while many Nigerians were struggling to look for what to eat, the means of cooking their food should not be made difficult for them again.

“I know Mr President has a listening ear and he will do something urgent about this matter.

“The announcement by the petroleum minister(state) on the ban on the exportation of the product is a good one, but it has not started having any positive effects on the masses.

“The fuel subsidy removal is biting hard on the people and electricity supply is not stable.

“All these are impacting negatively on Nigerians and solutions should be provided without further delay.

“All relevant and critical stakeholders must join hands with the president to tackle the challenges in the oil and gas industry”, he said.

Oyintiloye, also commended the president on his proactive steps in stabilising the naira against the United States dollar.

He said the gradual way in which the naira is maintaining a steady appreciation against the United States dollars in the last few days was commendable.

He said the warning by the presidency to currency speculators to desist from unpatriotic act against the naira was also timely and necessary.

Oyintiloye said with patience and absolute support to the president, the economic challenges the country is passing through will be a thing of the past.

“I want to commend the president on his tireless efforts in putting the economy of the country on the right path.

“With patience, endurance, prayers and support for the president, we will come out stronger from these challenges”, he said.

He appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the president as he is working tirelessly to deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda.

On Sun, 3 Mar 2024, 12:08 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Don’t sabotage efforts of Tinubu in fixing the economy, APC chieftain urges governors

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to the state governors and senior civil servants to give President Bola Tunubu, maximum support as he made efforts to fix Nigeria’s economy.

Oyintiloye said that it is not possible for the president alone to achieve his Renewed Hope Agenda for the people without the support of the governors and top civil servants, who were the engine room of the government.

He said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

Oyintiloye said that the governors needed to support the various initiatives of the president in fixing the economy by utilising their monthly allocation for poverty alleviation in their various states.

The APC Chieftain said that the various efforts of the president in fixing the economy may not be immediately visible to many Nigerians, if the state governors refused to utilise their monthly allocation for the benefit of the masses in their states.

According to him, what the state governors are earning from the federal allocation since the removal of the fuel subsidy is capable of putting smiles on the faces of the people, if judiciously used.

“This is the time for state governors, irrespective of political affiliations to join the president in fixing the economy by attending to the welfare of the people.

“What the president is doing at the centre to fix the economy will only be meaningful to the people, if the state governors can lend a helping hands.

“What the governors are currently collecting as monthly allocation is more than in enough to lift the people out of poverty in relation to what the president is doing.

“While the masses are shouting the name of the president at every slight discomfort, they should also hold their governors accountable, asking them what they are doing with the improved monthly allocation.

“To set the record straight, the governors have to come out and tell people of their states the amount they have collected since June last year and how they have administered the funds.

“In the reckoning of most Nigerians now, the governors are seen as part of those sabotaging efforts of the president to lessen effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the people”, he said.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) also said the senior civil and permanent secretaries must not allow unnecessary bureaucracy to undermine the efforts of the president in fixing the economy.

He said they should heed to the directive of the president during his meeting with them in which he warned against ineffectiveness and unnecessary bureaucracy that could result in the delay of interventions in the economy and programmes targeting vulnerable citizens.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said this was the time for the senior civil servants and the permanent secretaries to be on the same page with the president towards improving the lives of Nigerians by acting with dispatch on matters that border on the welfare of citizens.

” We are in a very critical situation in which unnecessary bureaucracy which can hinder the efforts of the president be suspended.

“Any act of sabotage in whatever form in the civil service should be rooted out for the sake of the benefit of the masses”, he said.

Oyintiloye also commended the president on his directive on a monthly briefing by the Head of Service and submission of key performance indicator reports for his review.

He said this will improve service delivery and prompt attendance to issues that would impact the the welfare of the people and the economy.

Oyintiloye, however, appealed to the masses to be patient with the president, adding that with all the various interventions the president is putting in place, the country will soon attain the height of desired greatness.

On Sun, 18 Feb 2024, 11:51 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Food crisis: APC chieftain urges Tinubu to set up taskforce to tackle saboteurs in grains distribution

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has urged President Bola Tinubu, to set up a special taskforce for the distribution of the approved 42,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserved to Nigerians.

Oyintiloye, while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that setting up of the taskforce was necessary in order to ensure that the grains was not diverted, but get to the targeted Nigerians.

He said for the masses to benefit from the free grains, the president must put up a taskforce to cripple the activities of saboteurs, who were desperate to make gains from the pains of Nigerians.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had on Feb. 8, said the president had approved the release of 42,000MT of maize, millet and other commodities from the national strategic reserves to address the rising cost of food in Nigeria.

Idris, after a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, also said that the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria had committed to releasing about 60,000MT of rice to the markets.

Oyintiloye, former lawmaker, however, said if the president wanted the poor Nigerians to feel the impact of the released grains, a special taskforce should be constituted to ensure its effective distribution.

He said that the past experiences had shown that the federal government free grains had not been reaching the targeted Nigerians due to the activities of saboteurs.

Oyintiloye said it would be a great disservice to the country and to the efforts of the president, if the good gesture of the free grains is allowed to be hijacked by private individuals.

He said aside the staff of the National Emergency Management Agency and Department of State Services that would be engaged in the distribution, a special presidential taskforce should be deployed to states to ensure effective distribution.

Oyintiloye, who commended the president for the release of the grains, said that those who were expert in sabotaging the efforts of the government in ameliorating the suffering of Nigerians must not be allowed to truncate the distribution process.

“There is no doubt that there is hunger in the land, but the efforts of the government in minimising the problems should not be allowed to be truncated by the enemies of the country.

“And that is why I appeal to the president to set up this special taskforce so as to outsmart those that are waiting to divert the grains.

“People are hungry and this free grain to be distributed by the government must get to the masses and its must not be diverted.

“With the presidential taskforce in place and with effective monitoring, it will be difficult for anyone, no matter how placed to have access in diverting the grains”,he said.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), also said the president’s directive that security agencies to go after those
hoarding food is a welcome development and it had started yielding positive results.

He said with this presidential directive, those who were hoarding food to make unjustifiable gains would be brought to justice.

“We all know that the economy is in a bad shape, but the way market men and women are using present situation to hike prices of foods to exploit Nigerians is alarming.

“Many of them are hoarding goods to create artificial scarcity in order to force the prices up and this is not good for the development of our country.

“I commend the president for this directive and I strongly believe that it will force prices of food down and make it available in abundance.

“The president should continue to braze up against enemies of this nation, who are making life unbearable for the common man”, he said.

Oyintiloye, who noted that the president was doing everything possible to salvage the situation, said whatever the challenges the country is passing through at the moment is temporary.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the president with prayers, adding that Nigerians will rise again.

On Sun, 4 Feb 2024, 11:45 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Insecurity: Tinubu needs support,not criticism, APC Chieftain tells Nigerians

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu, in the fight against insecurity in the country and stop negative criticism that can distract him.

Oyintiloye, while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo
said that the rate of insecurity in the country was becoming alarming, saying the development called for a sober reflection.

He said that this is a period Nigerians needed to rally round the president and its adminstration to find a common solution to the various insecurity challenges facing the country.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), who condemned the recent killings, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminalities by men of the underworld across the country, said that there was no doubt that the president was doing everything humanly possible to restore peace to the country.

According to him, this is a trying period for all Nigerians, who are saddened with the latest multiple killings and kidnapping ravaging the country.

He said that Nigerians must take solace in God, while government fashion out strategies to address the situation, instead of negative criticism that will not solve the problem.

“No one is happy with the recent killing, banditry, terrorism, kidnapping other criminalities across the country, but negative criticism and names calling by the leaders of the opposition parties is not the way forward”.

“What we need at the critical period is for us as a stakeholders to come together, irrespective of our political affiliation, religious or tribe and give the present administration needed boost and encouragement.

“Security is a collective responsibility of everyone and that is why I am appealing to leaders of the opposition parties to stop playing cheap politics with security issues and narratives that can divide the country”, he said.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker commended the president for prompt approval of funds to the security agencies for the purchase of modern equipment to fight insecurity.

He said the recent release of N50 billion security vote to five northern states was a show of commitment by the president to minimise the spate of insecurity, but we need to extent the gesture across the country.

Oyintiloye, who noted that the primary responsibility of any government was to protect life and property of its citizen, said that was the reason why the large percentage of 2024 budget was committed to security.

The APC Chieftain, however, called on the president to look into developing security architectural framework that are community based.

He called for bottom up approach security framework that would integrate every social strata of the society, traditional rulers, religious leaders, non conventional security groups and opinion leaders in assisting security agencies in combating the insecurity in their domains.

Oyintiloye, also urged the president to mandate governors, as as the Chief Security Officer of their respective states to rise to the occasion to nip the insecurity in bud by creating community security network to support conventional security agencies in their various domains.

On Sun, 14 Jan 2024, 12:36 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Conduct integrity performance review on cabinet members, APC chieftain urges Tinubu

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has urged President Bola Tinubu, to engage in integrity performance review of members of his cabinet in achieving the renewed hope agenda of his administration.

Oyintiloye, a former member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) made the call while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

He said that the integrity review would not only ensure that the renewed hope agenda was not compromised, but also allow for transparency, and accountability by the cabinet members, head of ministries, departments and agencies of government.

It will be recalled that the president, during a retreat for his cabinet members, promised to engaged in a quarterly review of performance of his cabinet members.

This, the president said would be done through the office of his special adviser on Policy Coordination, as head of the new Performance Bond, which contains key performance indicators ( KPI) to monitor and measure the performance of the Ministers.

The former lawmaker said through the integrity review, the performances of the cabinet members would not only be measured by numerical achievements in their various ministries, but rather how the resources committed to their hands were being used for the benefit of the masses.

Oyintiloye said that it was painful that the efforts of the president to alleviate poverty among the masses through various intervention programmes were being jeopardised by greedy and unpatriotic individuals.

He appealed to the president not to allow any selfish individuals to drag his administration and reputation he had built over the years to the mud.

“There is a need to genuinely fight corruption in the system, which will in turn renew the hope of the masses in this present adminstration.

“And that is why the president need to continually engaging in financial integrity review of his cabinet members, who are his foot soldiers in the renewed hope
agenda.

“It obvious that Mr President is passionate and committed in lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty level and revitalised the economy through its interventions programmes in various ministry, departments and agencies of government.

“But those who are not in the tune with the president in growing the economy and minimise poverty are the ones who see position of authority as a means of enriching their pockets.

“And this is kind of mentality is slowing down the impacts of the various poverty alleviation programmes on the masses”, he said.

Oyintiloye, however, commended the president for the establishment of special presidential panel for the review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.

The APC chieftain, who noted that the establishment of the panel was a right step in checking fraudulent activities, said that the level of corruption in the handling of the social investment programmes in the ministry since its commencement was heartbreaking and alarming.

Oyintiloye, also said that the ongoing reform in the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry to minimise corruption for effective service delivery was commendable.

He said that it was painful that that the humanitarian ministry which was created to see to the welfare of the poor masses in the society had been turned to a money making venture for some heartless individuals.

Oyintiloye said that it was a pity that while the president was working assiduously in ensuring that corruption is reduce to it barest minimum, some people were hell-bent to jeopardise the effort of the president.

Oyintiloye said with avowed passion and commitment of the president to the welfare of the masses, Nigeria is on the path of greatness.

On Sun, 7 Jan 2024, 12:20 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Keep eagle eye on poverty alleviation funds, APC chieftain urges Tinubu

Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to President Bola Tunubu, to keep an eagle eye on how the funds allocated to different poverty alleviation programmes in the country is being spent.

Oyintiloye, while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that the passion of the president to alleviate poverty among the masses must not be allowed to be truncated by selfish individuals.

The APC chieftain said that all necessary strategy must be put in
place to ensure that different poverty intervention programmes by the president have positive impacts on the lives of the less privileged Nigerians

“We have a president that is monitoring everything being done in his government and that why we have absolute trust him.

” We must encourage and support the president to keep eagle eye on these interventions programmes to prevent diversion.

” Since the money is meant to alleviate poverty among the masses, every necessary strategy must be in place to ensure that allocated money have positive impacts on the lives of the less privileged Nigerians”, he said

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, however, commended the president on the N150 billion allocated for poverty alleviation programmes in year 2024.

He said said that the allocated amount would go a long way in impacting positively lives of several Nigerians.

The APC chieftain said that the money which was to be spent under the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (NPRGS) would stabilise and improve the livelihood of the vulnerable masses.

He also noted that the money allocated under the four pillars of macro-economic stability, industrialisation, structural policies/institutional reforms and redistributive policies/programmes of government under the NPRGS, was a development.

It will be recalled that the NPRGS was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to address poverty, particularly in rural areas.

The programme is to run for 10 years (2021-2031), with an estimated implementation cost of $1.6tn at an annual average of about $161bn.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that the allocated fund would assist in fighting poverty, create economic growth and employment.

The APC Chieftain, who said millions of Nigerians were living in poverty, stressed that various interventions by the president to alleviate poverty must be commended.

He also commended the president for allocating N10.35 billion to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to fight poverty in 2024 appropriation law.

“There is no doubt that the economy is not friendly and there is poverty in the land.

“But the tirelessly effort of President Tinubu through various intervention programmes to minimise poverty is commendable.

“The president acknowledged the pains the people are passing through and that is why he and his team are working round the clock to make life more bearable for Nigerians.

“The assurance given by the President in his new message that the economic hardships occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy will soon be over is an indication that government is not sleeping.

“Also, the president remarks that that every one of his steps and decisions taken since his assumption of office on May 29 is in the interest of the country is a major hope that things will soon be good for Nigerians.

“We all just need to keep praying for the country and continue to play our part to support him to achieve his good plans for the upliftment of the country”, he said.

On Sun, 17 Dec 2023, 12:43 pm Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
High drug prices: APC Chieftain calls for President Tinubu urgent intervention

Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun has appealed to the President Bola Tinubu, to urgently intervene in the hike in prices of essential drugs in the country.

Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that many Nigerians were currently unable to access most essential drugs due to
the extreme high prices.

He said that the escalating prices of the drugs could be attributed to a combination of factors, such as the withdrawal of GSK, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, the high rate of inflation in devaluation of naira, among others.

Oyintiloye said that the aforementioned factors, among others had made prices of drugs such as amlodipine, augmentin, paracetamol, exforge, Coartem, and other essential drugs to become unaffordable for the common man.

According to him, said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that the value of medicines imported into Nigeria rose by 68 per cent to N81.8 billion between July and September 2023.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said that the surge in the prices of drugs had placed a significant financial strain on individuals and families already struggling with the harsh economy.

“When the local currency weakens against foreign currencies, the expenses incurred in procuring these essential medical supplies rise, consequently driving up the overall prices of medicines in the country.

“The scarcity or limited availability of foreign exchange exacerbates as ripple effect, forcing manufacturers to compensate by increasing the prices of medicines to cover their higher operational costs”, he said.

The APC chieftain, who commended President Tinubu’s
effort in repositioning the economy, however, said there is urgent need to redouble efforts in the health sector.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, noted that patients struggling with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, among others were now find it difficult to cope with the surge in the prices of their medication.

“The way the prices are going up, people who are in need of most of the essential drugs might not be able to afford it and this might increase in death rate in the country.

“Insulin, for instance is now between N12000, and N14,000, and some of the patients might need two or three of it in a month.

” Also, ventolin inhaler for asthmatic patient rose from N2000 to N9,000, and if a patient is earning N30,000 per month, how will he or she cope?.

Oyintiloye appealed to government to drive investments in the health sector, address Forex problem, remove the duty tax on medication, encourage local production and also allow more enabling environment for the pharmaceutical company.

He commended Prof. Mohammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for meeting with representatives and Chief Executive Officers of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria recently to find solutions to the crisis.

Oyintiloye said Pate’s assurance that the federal government was working towards policy actions that may address the high prices of medicines, especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians was commendable.

He said the efforts of President Tinubu in revamping the economy would soon begin to yield positive results.

On Sun, 3 Dec 2023, 11:32 am Bosun Oyintiloye, wrote:
Food Inflation: APC chieftain commends Tinubu on 50 per cent subsidy on agric input

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for the approval of 50 per cent reduction in the cost of agricultural inputs for farmers for the commencement of dry season farming in the country.

Oyintiloye said that the subsidy on farm inputs by the president would go a long way in assisting farmers to increase production and boost food availability despite present high inflation in the country.

The APC chieftain said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, had on Nov. 25 said the federal government will support 250,000 wheat farmers with a 50 per cent input subsidy to cultivate about 250,000 hectares during the dry season.

Kyari, disclosed this during the flag-off of the 2023/2024 dry session farming under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket Project at Kadume Village, Hadejia Local Government Area, Jigawa State.

He said the FG’s support for the wheat farmers is expected to produce over 1.2 million tonnes of wheat during the farming session.

Oyintiloye, a member of defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) noted that the country’s current food inflation, according to the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) stood at 31.5 per cent.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker also said that in the selected food price watch for the month of October as released by NBS shows that the average price of one kilogram of rice local sold rose by 68.10 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N487.47 in Oct. 2022 to N819.42 in Oct. 2023.

He said the NBS statistics further revealed that the average price of one kilogram of brown beans rose by 39.90 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N564.69 in Oct.2022 to N790.01 in Oct. 2023, among other food prices.

Oyintiloye, however, said that the approved farm input subsidy by the federal government was timely, as it would reduced the food inflation in the country.

He said that President Tinubu’s assurance to Nigerians to transform the agricultural sector by making food security the number one priority has started yielding positive results.

“We need to commend President Tinubu for this 50 per cent subsidy on farm inputs.

“This will go along way to boost food and nutrition security, attract private sector investment reduce post-harvest losses, as well as add value to local agriculture produce in the country”, he said.

Oyintiloye said the programme of National Agriculture Growth, which was aimed at supporting farmers through training on good agricultural practices and provide certified inputs would enhance food production.

The APC chieftain said that with the various agricultural interventions by the president, there would be a positive changes in the prices of food and there would be surpluses in the coming days.

He said the president’s passion for food security and his quick intervention on fertilizers, improved seeds, mechanisation and grants in both long and short run would yield a desirable result to ensure that food production round the year.

Oyintiloye, however, appealed to the federal government to relate directly with subsistence and large scale farmers, among other stakeholders in agriculture business through their various associations.

He said this would enable them to access various government intervention programmes without any form of hindrance and make Nigeria self-sufficient in term of agriculture produce, thereby making prices of food items affordable.