Osinbajo also said there is a need for the government to engage in large-scale social interventions that will address systemic issues
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to concentrate on improving Nigerians’ welfare as economic hardship bites harder in the country.
He gave the advice recently while speaking at the 2024 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference.
According to him, there is an urgent need to cater for social welfare programmes and accessible healthcare as Nigerians struggle with rising costs in essentials like food, transportation, and housing.
Addressing participants at the event, Osinbajo said, “The cost of living is overwhelming Nigerians’ hope for survival.”
He went on to emphasize the growing issue of food insecurity, and called for stronger support systems to ensure basic needs are met.
ALSO READ: Obaseki alleges APC borrowed N5b to finance Okpebholo’s inauguration
He also spoke on the country’s literacy challenges, especially in the northern region, noting that over 67% of women in northern Nigeria are illiterate.
“A country where half the population is socially and economically disempowered due to illiteracy will find development difficult, if not impossible,” he said.
He further said to tackle this, there is a need for large-scale social interventions that address systemic issues, including literacy and economic empowerment.
Reflecting on the theme of the conference, “Dream, Dare, Do,” Osinbajo praised WIMBIZ for exemplifying resilience in pursuing impactful change.
“It’s not just about having dreams or starting enterprises—it’s about resilience and the courage to persevere through challenges,” he further said.
