Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has shared his perspective on how he would have utilized the federal government’s palliatives, designed to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
In his view, Shittu proposed a different approach, suggesting that he would prioritize making education and healthcare accessible to the less privileged instead of distributing these palliatives.
The federal government had recently allocated ₦5 billion to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the purchase of grains and five truckloads of rice for each state as part of measures to mitigate the consequences of fuel subsidy removal.
During an appearance on “Daily Politics,” a program aired on Trust TV, Adebayo Shittu stated, “If I had the opportunity, if I were the President, rather than distributing these palliatives, I would ensure that education and healthcare are completely free across the country. Free education has a profound impact on every family.
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When families are relieved from paying school fees for their children and medical expenses, they can allocate their resources to other essential needs like food. The advantage of using palliatives to guarantee free education is evident.
As the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most esteemed politicians, wisely said, ‘Educate the children of the poor, for if you neglect them, these same children will make sure your own children cannot sleep peacefully.'”
You can watch the full interview on Trust TV starting from the 10:20 timestamp.