The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reassured Nigerians that the country’s current economic challenges are temporary, urging citizens to be patient as relief is expected soon.
Oyetola shared this message during the Friday prayer service at Egbeda Central Mosque in Iragbiji, Osun State, where he spoke to the congregation after the two-rakat prayer.
He acknowledged the difficulties caused by the ongoing economic situation, attributing it to the policies of previous governments.
Specifically, Oyetola referred to the Bulk Food Purchase policy implemented in response to rising inflation and food prices.
He emphasized that the current administration’s policies are more favorable to farmers and aimed at ensuring a surplus of farm produce for public consumption.
“While the current situation is tough, it is a phase that will soon pass,” Oyetola said.
“The challenges we face today are not unique to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Similar difficulties occurred under President Shehu Shagari, where food prices were high, prompting the government to introduce the Bulk Food Purchase policy,” he continued.
Oyetola, who recently distributed fertilizers to dry-season farmers in the area, called on farmers to intensify their efforts, noting that the government’s policies are designed to support agriculture and boost food production.
He also encouraged Nigerian youths to focus on education, urging them to take advantage of the government’s interest-free student loans under the Access to Higher Education Act of 2023.
“I urge our youths to avoid drug addiction, gangsterism, and idleness,” Oyetola said.
“Take advantage of the interest-free education loans to improve yourselves and contribute positively to society.
Education will equip you with the skills necessary to succeed, and you can combine it with farming to modernize agricultural practices,” Oyetola continued.
The former governor of Osun State shared that his own success was largely due to education, which he stressed as a vital tool for personal and societal advancement.
He also urged youths to consider farming, even alongside their studies, as it can offer long-term benefits, especially with the new policies promoting mechanized agriculture.
The Chief Imam of Egbeda, Alhaji Hammed Oyetola, took the opportunity to remind the congregation of the impermanence of worldly possessions, urging them to focus on worship and the fear of God.
“No one can bestow what Allah withholds, and no one can withhold what Allah bestows,” he reminded the worshippers.
Additionally, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, who accompanied the minister, commended the federal government for its commendable policies.
He also praised Oyetola for his donation of food items to the community but urged beneficiaries to ensure a fair distribution to prevent any conflicts.
