Give Tinubu reforms time to yield results, CHEI-IST tells Nigerians
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Give Tinubu reforms time to yield results, CHEI-IST tells Nigerians
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying some of the reforms require time to produce their intended results.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Dr Agu Goodluck Michael, made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors, ACOE at the association’s national headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
Michael, a medical doctor, acknowledged the economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians but argued that the impact of major reforms should not be judged solely by their immediate consequences.
Using a medical analogy, he likened the country’s economy to a patient suffering from multiple fractures, saying recovery could not be expected immediately after such a patient was admitted to hospital.
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“The mistake we would make is for a man with multiple fractures to believe that immediately he gets to the emergency, he will be well,” he said.
He explained that doctors would first examine the patient, determine the extent of the injuries and commence appropriate treatment before recovery could begin.
Michael said the same principle applied to economic reforms, insisting that policies designed to address deep-rooted problems must be given sufficient time to take effect.
He said CHEI-IST, which he described as a non-political empowerment organisation, became involved in civic engagement because of the link between political leadership, economic conditions and its programmes in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition.
According to him, the organisation has undertaken medical outreaches and empowerment programmes in different parts of the country, with emphasis on helping citizens develop sustainable means of livelihood.
He, however, called for increased investment in existing primary healthcare centres, rather than focusing mainly on the construction of new facilities.
Michael said many primary healthcare centres across the country were not functioning optimally because of inadequate equipment, personnel, training and management.
“We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” he said, stressing the need for properly equipped and adequately staffed healthcare facilities.
The CHEI-IST coordinator also expressed concern over the continued migration of Nigerian doctors and other professionals abroad, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome.
He said improving working conditions, providing modern medical equipment and creating access to funding could encourage professionals abroad to return and practise in Nigeria.
He advocated government-backed financing schemes that would enable medical professionals to establish private healthcare facilities, arguing that such initiatives could create jobs while strengthening the country’s health sector.
On local government administration, Michael backed greater autonomy for councils, saying local governments were closest to the people and should have adequate authority and resources to address grassroots challenges.
He argued that effective local government administration could accelerate development at the grassroots and contribute to national growth.
The physician also highlighted what he described as improvements in infrastructure, workers’ salaries and security under the Tinubu administration.
He said the focus of CHEI-IST’s empowerment programmes was to provide citizens with sustainable economic opportunities rather than temporary assistance or political handouts.
Michael said the organisation would continue its community engagement, empowerment and civic education programmes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, protect their votes and make their choices based on their assessment of candidates and their policies.
He said Nigeria remained a country with enormous potential, adding that sustained reforms, improved governance and active citizen participation would be critical to overcoming the nation’s challenges.
Michael expressed optimism that with consistency in reforms and collective efforts by government and citizens, Nigeria would gradually achieve greater economic prosperity and improved living conditions.
