President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that pains and inconveniences associated with removal of oil subsidy will be short-lived, saying that people should look out for its potential long-term benefits.
Speaking at the grand finale of the ongoing three-day combined convocation of the 37th and 38th academic sessions of the University of Ilorin on Monday, President Tinubu said that the removal of oil subsidy would encourage alternative energy sources, infrastructure and public services that would enhance prosperous Nigeria.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, admitted that Nigerians are enmeshed in economic pains as a result of the oil subsidy removal.
“While the short-term gains are expected with attendant pains, please look forward to the potential long-term benefits.
“The removal of subsidies can pave way for investments in alternative energy sources, infrastructure, and public services that will contribute to a stronger and prosperous Nigeria.
“During this transition, let us remain united as a nation, supporting one another and working collectively towards finding solutions”, he said, adding that, “It’s a challenging journey buy by embracing innovation, conserving energy, we can navigate through these difficulties and emerge stronger as a nation.
“Remember, change often comes with its share of hardships, but it is through resilience and cooperation that we can shape a better future for ourselves and generations to come,” Tinubu said.
The President, however, commended management of the university for its many academic laurels and contributions to the growth and development of the country at large, noting in particular the outstanding features of its researchers in assisting various governments even beyond the country.
According to him, researchers in the institution have distinguished themselves in research and innovation through listed discoveries that have been gazetted for common uses.
“The Unilorin has distinguished itself through groundbreaking discoveries that address critical challenges facing our nation and the global community.
“From advancements in sustainable agriculture to groundbreaking developments in healthcare technology, the contributions of this institution are driving progress and transformation in various fields. For example, the contributions of researchers in this university are appreciated in the fight against Malaria in Africa, novel treatment of cancer of the eye and innovations in trainings for farmers to improve farm yields,” he noted.
He, however, declared his support for the school in winning financial prizes, noting: “I am also pleased to associate with the University on the winning of $1.5m grant from AspenTech inc. USA to develop state of the art facilities required for effective teaching and research activities in Geosciences and its applications.”
Tinubu charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of their parents, the school and the nation in their endeavours, urging them to always go for gold in their strives.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole charged the graduands to always think beyond the box as lamentations over poor economy and environmental reality may not solve their problems but self help, efforts and initiative which he described as best help.
“As today’s graduates and professionals, lamentations and complaints will not solve any problem and the state of the country is our collective making. The right attitude as problem-solvers is to seek and discover opportunities in challenges, the opportunities that make many foreigners like the Chinese, the Lebanese and the Indians to be thriving in Nigeria.
“You should understand that productivity makes you free while activity makes you busy. Be productive, don’t worry about things that you cannot change.
“Set your goals, identify your boundaries, maintain your focus, do your best and trust that everything will be fine,” he said.
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