Chairman, happy birthday and many more in wealth, health and wisdom. When we spoke last month, I felt the pulse of a statesman, truly committed to his nation and continent. I want to publicly THANK you for the recent tweets you put across on the state of the nation:
“This morning, I am listening to my colleagues at the office bemoan the very pressing issues that they face every day in this country, and how things have been getting worse and worse with no electricity for 5 days, hikes in the price of diesel, frightening food inflation, etc.” TOE.
If your staff could feel the pain this way, imagine our teachers, nurses, etc who go home monthly, with a fraction of what you pay the bankers and others in the Group. Your call to governments is speaking for those teachers, nurses, etc.
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In Nigeria, business leaders are afraid to talk on the fear that governments will come after their bread, amala, zobo and akara, and because of that, no one wants to speak out even when the ship is sinking. With your public courage to tell our politicians to do their jobs, I commend you.
I am hoping that other business leaders will follow you and tell these men and women that enough is enough. They are messing up a beautiful land and risking the futures of young people. Your statement is out of love for your nation and I do hope the governments listen.
As I close, I will continue to seek your TOUGH LOVE for the nation through more investments in youth and human capital. I was honoured to serve in the Inaugural Selection Committee of the $100 million TEEP funds. This has to continue even as we challenge political leaders to wake up and do their jobs.
Nigerian businessman, Tony Elumelu, has lamented the impact of poor power supply and fuel scarcity on the citizens and businesses, urging Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.
In a rare public commentary on Twitter Thursday, Mr Elumelu, who heads UBA, Transcorp and Heir Holdings, wondered how the nation would be so rich with resources yet unable to deliver service to its long-suffering people.
The prevailing hardship, Mr Elumelu said, should provoke Nigerians to elect better leaders in 2023.
“Elections are coming, security and resources need to be everyone’s agenda. Let’s be vocal for our nation’s priority,” he wrote.
“Evil prevails when good people are silent. We need to be vocal about 2023. Let’s focus on Nigeria. Demand and advocate for leaders that deliver.
“In 2023, Nigeria must be on a strong trajectory for progress and development,” he said.
Nigeria has faced fuel shortages since February after importing substandard fuel, resulting in weeks of severe scarcity and long queues at filling stations. The shortage has seen transport costs rise, thereby affecting goods and commodities.
Also, many parts of the country have been without electricity for days after the national grid collapsed. Businesses have closed as the cost of diesel skyrockets.
Mr Elumelu also criticised the government’s inability to tame oil theft that has seen production fall.
“This morning, I am listening to my colleagues at the office bemoan the very pressing issues that they face every day in this country, and how things have been getting worse and worse with no electricity for 5 days, hikes in the price of diesel, frightening food inflation, etc,” he wrote.
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