Omo-Agege who was the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Delta stated this in Christmas Message explained that the President economic reforms are crucial for transitioning our economy from import-dependent to self-sufficient, productive, and job-creating, noting that to achieve a long-term goal requires patience and perseverance.
The Delta APC leader urged Nigerians to be hopeful and be positives as some of Federal government’s policies has started yielding positive results, “we are already witnessing positive gains, including improved growth rates, reduced imports, increased exports, higher incomes for farmers, and increased FAAC allocations to state and local governments.
He noted that if our state governors have done as much as Mr President have done with the increased allocations as a results subsidies removal and floating of Naira, the hardship in the country would have been much better if they have invested in food production and agriculture.
The Christmas message reads:
Fellow Nigerians,
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this festive season bring joy, peace, and love to our great nation.
As we rejoice, let us not forget the numerous challenges we face as a nation. Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about our future. The government's economic reforms, although challenging, are a necessary step towards a more prosperous future.
We acknowledge that the recent reforms have caused hardship for many Nigerians, particularly with the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the naira's multiple exchange rates. Nonetheless, it's essential to recognize that these reforms are designed to address decades of economic mismanagement and put Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth.
The reforms are crucial for transitioning our economy from import-dependent to self-sufficient, productive, and job-creating. Achieving this ambitious long-term goal requires patience and perseverance. Encouragingly, we are already witnessing positive gains, including improved growth rates, reduced imports, increased exports, higher incomes for farmers, and increased FAAC allocations to state and local governments.
These gains demonstrate that the reforms are yielding positive results, and with continued patience and perseverance, Nigeria can overcome current challenges and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.
However, Delta State continues to face numerous challenges, including insecurity, poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, a struggling economy, and underpaid workers. The failure of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration to effectively utilize the over N900 billion revenues to cushion the inevitable pains of economic reforms is unacceptable. Many communities are left in dire need due to the lack of transparency and accountability in fund allocation.
Despite its huge potential, agriculture has been neglected, unlike in many other states. This sector is crucial for providing food, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. In fact, agriculture contributes significantly to the global economy, providing employment, raw materials, and economic development opportunities. By prioritizing agriculture, Delta State can unlock its economic potential, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. This misalignment between the Governor's priorities and the people's needs must be addressed to ensure a brighter future for Delta State.
As your opposition leader, I remain committed to driving change and ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity for our beloved state. My vision is for a Delta State where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and a living wage. Let's work together to make this vision a reality.
As we move forward, it's crucial that we collaborate to build a brighter future for our nation. With perseverance and collective support, we can overcome current hardships and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.
Looking ahead to 2025, I urge you to rally behind President Tinubu's administration as they steer Nigeria through a critical economic restructuring process and implement the Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity. Let's remain optimistic and supportive as Nigeria navigates this critical phase of economic transformation.
Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring us peace, prosperity, and happiness. God bless Delta State, and God bless Nigeria.
Signed,
HE, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR
Deputy President of the Senate (2019 – 2023)
