By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has acknowledged complaints over the policies of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that the administration remains focused on delivering on its electoral promises.
Mrs Tinubu also acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy, but said the federal government had introduced measures to cushion the impact of the reforms.
She cited increased allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and improved attention to the welfare of pensioners as some of the measures being implemented by the administration.
The First Lady stated this while addressing the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, where she spoke on her initiatives and the policies of the Federal Government.
“There will always be people who complain or disagree with what the government is doing,” she stated.
She, however, maintained that what mattered to the President was to remain focused, continue working and ensure that his programmes and policies ultimately served the interests of Nigerians.
Mrs Tinubu called for continued understanding and cooperation among the people, government, traditional institutions, the private sector and development partners, stressing that collective action was essential to achieving meaningful national development.
She likened Nigeria to a tree that must be collectively nurtured and protected by its citizens.
“If Nigeria were a tree, we would all be responsible for nurturing and protecting that tree and its branches. If the tree is not strong and healthy, all of us will ultimately suffer the consequences,” she said.
The First Lady also assured that beneficiaries of her initiatives were selected based on need rather than personal connections.
“Our commitment is to ensure that these opportunities reach people who genuinely need them, regardless of where they come from or who they know,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abi Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Solomon Edward, called for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and governments at all levels.
He described traditional rulers as critical partners in development, citing their roles in resolving disputes, mobilising communities, promoting peace and supporting grassroots development.
“Through our traditional councils and communities, we remain strategically positioned to support government initiatives, promote peace and security, encourage grassroots development, and mobilise our people towards meaningful progress,” he said.
