The residents of Iragbiji, Osun State, have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly leadership, and ministers responsible for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies Iragbiji (FUADSI). The community recognizes the efforts of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in securing this significant milestone. Community’s Appreciation for the Federal Government In a press release following a stakeholder meeting, Dr. Jimoh Olorede conveyed the sentiments of the Iragbiji Development Association (IDA), chaired by Dr. Lateef Raheem, Provost of Ilesha College of Health Technology. The traditional ruler of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, who also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), endorsed the statement. The community described President Tinubu as a visionary leader committed to national progress. They expressed confidence that his administration’s initiatives would accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth and position the country as a leader in agricultural and technological advancements within Africa. Call for Immediate Implementation Following the approval of FUADSI, Iragbiji leaders urged the Federal Government to expedite the necessary administrative and executive steps to ensure the university’s swift commencement of operations. They emphasized that the institution would significantly contribute to education and development in the region. National Assembly’s Role Acknowledged The press statement also acknowledged the vital role of the National Assembly in selecting Iragbiji as the host community for FUADSI. The community praised the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, along with other key legislative figures, for their support and commitment to the university project. Among those commended were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, his Deputy Lola Ashiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions Simon Lalong, and the Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi). The statement extended gratitude to all members of the Senate and House of Representatives who played an active role in the university’s approval process. Special Recognition for Adegboyega Oyetola The community particularly lauded the contributions of former Osun State Governor and current Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. They described him as a dedicated leader with a passion for development, highlighting his consistent efforts in championing the growth of Iragbiji. Appreciation for Ministers of Education and Agriculture Dr. Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, and Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, were also acknowledged for their collaborative roles in making FUADSI a reality. Their combined efforts, alongside President Tinubu’s endorsement, ensured the university’s establishment, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the Iragbiji community. For further details on FUADSI and its impact on agricultural education in Nigeria, visit the Federal Ministry of Education. Conclusion With the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies Iragbiji now officially approved, the host community remains hopeful for its swift take-off and long-term success. They continue to call on the Federal Government to ensure full support for the institution, reinforcing its role in advancing education, research, and economic growth in the region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he describes as a reckless borrowing spree, pushing Nigeria into a severe debt crisis. Atiku also accused the National Assembly leadership of enabling the borrowing, calling them accomplices to the economic mismanagement. Nigeria’s Alarming Debt Profile Atiku’s remarks come in response to a recent World Bank report, which ranks Nigeria as the third-largest debtor to the International Development Association (IDA). He expressed deep concern about this development, stating: “The report showing Nigeria as the third most indebted country to the IDA is extremely concerning.” The former vice-president highlighted the administration’s proposal to borrow ₦1.7 trillion via Euro Bonds to address the 2024 budget deficit, a move he described as reckless and ill-planned. Exchange Rate Discrepancy and Fiscal Irresponsibility Atiku also pointed out the flawed nature of the proposed loans, particularly the exchange rate assumptions. “This loan proposal is benchmarked at ₦800 to $1, whereas the Central Bank’s exchange rate exceeds ₦1,600 to $1. Such discrepancies raise serious questions about transparency and fiscal responsibility,” Atiku noted. He further condemned the debt accumulation for its impact on ordinary Nigerians, stating: “These loans are crushing Nigerians with unbearable economic pressure, especially when they are neither well-negotiated nor utilized for genuine development purposes.” National Assembly’s Role in the Debt Crisis Atiku didn’t spare the National Assembly, accusing them of complicity in enabling the government’s borrowing frenzy. “The National Assembly has once again become an accomplice, allowing Nigeria to sink further into debt.” He questioned why the administration continues to borrow despite claims of record revenue collection by agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and Nigerian Customs. Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement Atiku alleged that the excessive borrowing is fueled by corruption rather than infrastructure development or economic needs. Referring to a recent BudgIt report, he criticized the 2024 budget, calling it “a mess” due to the excessive pork-barrel spending included. “The appetite for these massive loans is driven by corruption rather than genuine national interest,” he asserted. A Call for Fiscal Responsibility Reflecting on past efforts to reduce Nigeria’s foreign debt, Atiku expressed personal disappointment: “Just years after President Obasanjo’s administration freed Nigeria from foreign indebtedness, we are back at the top of the debt trap.” In conclusion, he urged caution and fiscal discipline: “It’s time for this administration to apply more caution and arithmetic to its loan frenzy. Recklessness will only worsen the plight of Nigerians.” Atiku’s criticism underscores the growing concerns over Nigeria’s economic trajectory under President Tinubu’s administration, with calls for greater accountability and transparency in managing public finances. READ ALSO:
