Yilwatda challenges opposition to move beyond criticism as aides award National Assembly excellence awards – THISAGE

The National President of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has challenged opposition leaders to go beyond criticism and present practical and well-articulated alternatives to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, rather than simply condemn government policies.

Speaking through the Hon. Daniel Rejenieju at the awards ceremony of the 10th National Assembly held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the House of Representatives Complex, National Assembly, Abuja, Professor Yilwatda noted that many opposition politicians had equally promised during the 2023 general election campaigns to remove the fuel subsidy but failed to articulate any realistic framework to mitigate its impact on Nigerians.

The Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, on Thursday said the APC National Chairman maintains that the removal of fuel subsidies is an inevitable and necessary decision to save the nation’s economy from impending fiscal collapse. He described the previous subsidy regime as an unsustainable system that enriched a privileged few while denying the country the resources needed for basic national development.

He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the bold economic reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that temporary hardships associated with the reforms will eventually give way to sustainable economic growth, fiscal stability and shared national prosperity.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the award for the Most Outstanding Personal Private Secretary in Nigerian Politics to Comrade Jubrin Bancir, Personal Private Secretary to the APC National Chairman. The award recognized his exceptional professionalism, steadfast commitment to duty, exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to effective public service.

Also honored was Caroline Omeashem, Secretary in the Office of the National Chairman of the APC, who received the Most Outstanding Award for Confidentiality and Professional Service. The organizers praised his outstanding discretion, diligence and administrative excellence, noting that his collaborative work with his boss, Comrade Bancir, has significantly improved the efficiency and good coordination of the Office of the National President.

The recognition of both assistants underlined the vital role of professionalism, integrity and dedication in strengthening public institutions and promoting effective democratic governance.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that courageous leadership is defined by the willingness to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions in the overall interest of the people. According to him, President Tinubu demonstrated exceptional courage by implementing reforms that successive administrations recognized as necessary but lacked the political will to implement.

He explained that the current economic difficulties represent the short-term consequences of reforms designed to correct years of structural distortions, adding that the long-term gains would far outweigh the current sacrifices.

Highlighting the positive impact of the administration’s reforms, the APC Chairman identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the most transformative social intervention programs under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that millions of students at tertiary institutions have benefited from the initiative regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, thereby expanding access to higher education and reducing the financial burden on Nigerian families.

He further said that the reforms have promoted greater fiscal discipline among citizens by encouraging prudent spending, responsible financial planning and a renewed culture of productivity. He further noted that increased allocations to States and other subnational governments have strengthened their ability to timely pay salaries, undertake infrastructure projects and ensure meaningful development for their people.

While acknowledging the temporary difficulties caused by the reforms, Professor Yilwatda appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and united in supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, stressing that lasting national transformation requires resilience, sacrifice and collective commitment.

Previously, the convener of the awards, Hon. Uko Miracle, commended President Tinubu and the APC leadership for what he described as remarkable achievements since he assumed office. He revealed that his organization undertook extensive documentation of the administration’s performance involving ministries, departments and agencies nationwide, culminating in the publication of a comprehensive review showcasing the President’s achievements.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Abbas applauded the organizers for recognizing excellence in public service and commended the Renewed Hope Agenda for its positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. He also commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her commitment to women empowerment and support for small and medium enterprises, describing women economic empowerment as indispensable for sustainable national development.

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