By Titilayo Iwalewa
The Senate President Aspirant of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review some of the policies he met and take a critical look at some areas of the economy that affects the survival of the masses as the major challenge of the common man start from food.
Adetunji, who said this via a statement issued to newsmen in Ibadan vouched for the present administration saying “from our observations as students, we understand that this Tinubu’s government mean well for Nigerians, but there is need for urgent review of some of the policies he met on ground.”
He added that the policy of the last administration which imposed a ban on importation of rice is not really good, the adverse effects of the imposed ban tells on the masses especially Nigerian students. He noted.
“As a sovereign country, the production of rice within is not enough for over 200 million Nigerians. According to our research, the production of rice in Nigeria can’t feed 20 per cent of this population,. Well, kudos to Rifan and Central Bank on the drastic approach established for the large Production of Rice.”
The Immediate past national President of National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) however, stated that, what we need as a nation at this time, considering the subsidy removal; ban on importation of rice and some other commodities should be lifted.
“Let’s continue the production of rice locally while the borders should be open for foods alone, and when we have assurance that the production of rice and other commodities is enough, then the ban on importation can be activated again. Said he.
“He further explained that a bag of Rice is now being sold for 42 thousand naira, which is outrageous for the economy of Nigerian Students and the Masses. “Everyone knows that the most consumed food in Nigeria is Rice.”
Adetunji, who is popularly called OBA however, urged President Tinubu to see to the Food Security for all students on campuses, stressing that a student who doesn’t eat well can’t read and study well,
“I have an idea on how this can work with reliable Nigerians like Otunba Yomi Odunnowo. Also, for any Nation to grow, the Private Sector needs to be encouraged, (the Entrepreneurs), FG needs to give adequate attention to the policy and grant support to the Entrepreneurs in Nigeria, giving them an enabling environment, from Real Estate Sector, Agriculture, Automobiles, Manufacturers etc.
“They should be considered in all arrangements that have to do with palliative and policy to cushion the effects of subsidy removal as the Entrepreneurs’ contribution towards the GDP of Nigeria can’t be undermined. With all the assurance of the Renewed Hope mantra of this administration, Nigeria will be great Again.” said NANS’ Senate Presidential aspirant.
