Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, confidently stated on Thursday that the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are already bearing fruit, as evidenced by the resurgence of the nation’s economy.
Addressing a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum, led by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda, Alake emphasized that Tinubu’s visionary leadership and willingness to make tough decisions are reshaping the economic landscape, positioning it for robust growth.
He said: “The President has chosen to leave a legacy of taking difficult decisions that will herald enduring structures that will not only outlast the administration, but also make it impossible for successive administrations to deviate from.
“The society would have become used to a certain standard of service delivery at the end of the Tinubu administration that Nigerians will no more settle for anything less.”
The Minister highlighted that it has become increasingly apparent that the temporary challenges associated with reforms are gradually subsiding, pointing to the strengthening of the Naira and the emerging stability observed in the foreign exchange market.
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Expanding on his remarks, the Minister underscored the government’s commitment to infrastructure revitalization, specifically mentioning the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project. He emphasized that upon its completion, the travel time to the Cross River state capital would be reduced to two and a half hours.
“On completion of that coastal road, the amount of tourism that will be generated along that axis is unimaginable. It will be one of the longest tourism coast town drive in Africa, not to talk of the ease of movement of goods and services; the economic impact of ports along the route, and it will finally link up to Sokoto – a project which has been in the pipeline for more than 30 years”, he asserted.
The Minister also charged the forum as a repository of knowledge and diverse professionals within the APC to contribute their quota to the success of the administration, reiterating that the APC-led Federal Government is open to innovative ideas in its quest to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Yuguda congratulated the Minister on his new role, commending his endeavors to reform and raise global awareness about the mining sector. He emphasized the critical importance of solid minerals in Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Calling on both Nigerians and the federal government, the former Governor emphasized the importance of supporting Dr. Alake in his quest to modernize the mining sector. He underscored the potential of solid minerals to surpass oil as the predominant force driving the nation’s economy.
Clarifying the mission of the APC Professionals Forum, Yuguda emphasized that the forum comprises eminent professionals representing various sectors, all driven by a shared dedication to fostering nation-building and upholding patriotic values.
He pledged the forum’s resolve to take the lead in educating the public about government programs and also promised to put forward constructive recommendations when appropriate.
Accompanying His Excellency Isa Yuguda were prominent figures including Barrister James Ngilare, former governor of Adamawa State and a member of the Forum’s Board of Trustees (BOT), as well as Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State and Vice-Chairman of the BOT. Additionally, the entourage included Akeem Akintayo, who serves as the Secretary, among others.