Tinubu pledges stronger economy as Sultan urges greater anti-terrorism efforts

…Gov. Sule Calls on Colleagues to Prioritize Infrastructure and Living Standards; Prof. Abbas Emerges New ES of MUSWEN

By Ishola Balogun

President Bola Tinubu over the weekend assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to implement initiatives to support citizens as part of its broader economic recovery agenda.

The President delivered the message at the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) held at the Bola Babalakin Auditorium in Gbongan, Osun State. Represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu highlighted several measures, including financial support schemes, job creation programs, palliatives, and policies designed to encourage innovation and creativity.

He also emphasized the need for economic diversification, particularly through improved access to functional and quality education aligned with the technology-driven global economy.

“With discipline and focus, Nigeria can chart a new course toward prosperity,” he said, urging Nigerians to rise above current frustrations and leverage the “vast oasis of opportunities” available in the economy.

Tinubu listed some of the administration’s initiatives, including the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), N-Power reforms and skill acquisition programs, NANO grants, Conditional Cash Transfers ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦1,000,000, the upward review of NYSC monthly allowance and the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, food security measures, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives.

The President commended MUSWEN for creating a platform to discuss how Muslims can navigate and benefit from government reforms, stressing the importance of viewing security as a shared responsibility essential for attracting investment and delivering good governance.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Nigerians to remain united and resist divisive forces. He condemned killings by terrorists and bandits, emphasizing that security agencies must deal decisively with criminals, regardless of religion or tribe.

“Those killing people are not Muslims but criminals. I urge security operatives to apprehend and deal decisively with them,” he said, calling for prayers for President Tinubu and other leaders. The Sultan also congratulated MUSWEN for promoting unity and dialogue among Muslims in the Southwest, urging other zones to emulate their example.

Nasarawa State Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule, keynote speaker at the event, said the assembly’s theme, “Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?”, aligns with federal and state commitments to build a better country. He praised Tinubu’s bold economic policies, fiscal reforms, and private sector partnerships, and urged state governments to focus on infrastructure, complete projects, and improve citizens’ living standards.

Osun State Governor and host of the program, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Commissioner for Information Alhaji Kolapo Alimi, called for peace, religious harmony, and proactive action against terrorism. Alimi also announced that all religious marriages in Osun State are now legally recognized.

Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees, encouraged Muslims to uphold integrity and invest in education, noting the need for governments to allocate around 50% of their budgets to education over the next 20 years.

MUSWEN President Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo commended Tinubu’s efforts at poverty reduction and healthcare improvement, while urging greater investment in roads, railways, and housing. He also announced Professor Wole Abbas as the new Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, following the completion of Professor Muslih Yahya’s six-year tenure.

During the event, 12 medical students from the six Southwest states received scholarships under the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Students Scholarship Scheme. MUSWEN plans to increase bursary awards to 120 students in 2026, with a long-term goal of reaching 600 annually. Cheques and laptops were distributed by the Sultan, assisted by Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Dr. Abdul-Rauf ‘Wale Babalakin, and Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Deputy President I of MUSWEN.

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