In a national broadcast addressing the recent nationwide protests, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke on critical issues facing Nigeria. Here are five major takeaways from his speech:

1. Condemnation of violence, calls for dialogue:
President Tinubu condemned the violent protests and the destruction of public and private property, emphasising the negative impact on the nation’s resources and progress.

The President urged protesters and organisers to suspend further protests and engage in dialogue to address their grievances, highlighting the need for unity in reshaping Nigeria’s destiny.

“I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation.”

2. Defends subsidy removal and forex Policy:
The President also defended his subsidy removal, which has been the focal point of Nigerians and protesters.

The President said, “For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth. Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.

“I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our nation and impeded our economic development and progress.”

3. Condemns ethnic bigotry:
The President also condemns ethnic bigotry that is being created by some Nigerians, notably the #Igbomustgo campaign, led by some social media users.

Tinubu said, “To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.”

President Tinubu
4. Agriculture is the way to go:
Tinubu, in his speech, also made it known that agriculture is the way to go if Nigerians must be free from food scarcity.

He said his administration encourages mechanised farming.

“We have also ordered mechanised farming equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of Naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil. I can confirm to you that the equipment is on the way,” he said.

5. Youth empowerment:
The administration has introduced several initiatives to support the youth, including student loans, a consumer credit corporation, and various skill development programs, despite setbacks from protest-related vandalism.

President Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to listening to their concerns and working together to build a brighter future, urging against violence and promoting unity and progress.