“I do not take pleasure in inflicting pain on Nigerians” – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult economic conditions in Nigeria, urging citizens to endure what he described as “unintentional hardship” caused by ongoing reforms.

Speaking at the 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Tinubu, represented by Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economy to the Vice President, assured Nigerians that the reforms are designed to benefit everyone in the long run.

“I do not take pleasure in inflicting pain on Nigerians,” the President said, emphasizing that the current challenges are a necessary phase for sustainable national development. He expressed optimism, stating, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Tinubu also noted that his administration has embraced both the assets and liabilities inherited from previous governments, affirming his commitment to navigating the country through its economic challenges.

He said: “I am not unaware of the harsh economic situation of our country, neither do I take pleasure in inflicting pains and anguish on my compatriots.

“However, we were faced with the stark reality of results of some policies hitherto executed by past administrations, but which had no direct positive impact on the generality of our people.

“We have gladly accepted the assets and liability of our heroes past without any intention of apportioning blames or pointing an accusing finger at any individual or group of people.

“As we are trying to fix, reconfigure and correct past mistakes and errors, we implore all Nigerians to cooperate with us, endure this unintentional hardship so that, like the graduates of today, we all can celebrate and be celebrated at the end of the day.

“I am certainly seeing the light at the end of our tunnel,” he added.

The Chancellor
In his address the Chancellor of the University, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, stressed that the backbone of every nation is its investment in education, which will drive its developmental drive among competing global world.

Also the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Siyan Oyeweso charged the 977 postgraduates to deploy the knowledge to continue to build a nation full of opportunities for the coming generation.

Highlight of the event is the conferment of honourary doctorate on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola and Daere Afonya-A Akobo.