Iyabo Obasanjo Applauds Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Backs Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that recent policies have helped stabilise the economy and improve Nigerians’ purchasing power.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a media parley on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, she noted that significant positive developments have occurred over the past two and a half years.

According to her, the stabilisation of the naira stands out as a major achievement. She explained that a stable currency allows businesses to better predict import costs and revenue, reducing uncertainty caused by exchange rate fluctuations. Economic stability, she added, makes planning easier for investors and traders, preventing situations where goods are bought at one exchange rate and sold at a loss due to sudden currency swings.

Obasanjo also pointed to improvements in security and increased international collaboration, including the President’s foreign visits aimed at boosting trade and economic partnerships. She described economic growth as central to national development.

On the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the former lawmaker dismissed criticisms and described the project as a strategic investment that would stimulate economic activity and improve connectivity. She said the road would link key ports along the corridor and reduce congestion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, particularly easing traffic pressure through Ogun State, which serves as a major transit route to other parts of the country.

Regarding her political ambition, Obasanjo made it clear that she intends to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election with the aim of winning. She said her aspiration is serious and that she plans to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.

She pledged to expand industrialisation in Ogun State, highlighting the increasing number of factories as a driver of job creation, revenue generation, and economic growth. Drawing a comparison with China’s industrial rise, she said Ogun has the potential to become Nigeria’s equivalent of Guangdong, serving as a major manufacturing hub.

Agriculture, she added, would also be a priority, given Ogun’s available land and proximity to Lagos, a large consumer market. She emphasised the state’s advantage of being close to major ports, which could support both food exports and value-added agricultural production.

Obasanjo further stated that ICT and technology education would receive considerable attention under her leadership to foster innovation and create employment opportunities.

Explaining her decision to join the APC, she cited long-standing political relationships as a key factor. She said many associates who maintained contact with her after she left active politics are now members of the ruling party, and she felt more aligned with them. According to her, political relationships play a crucial role in such decisions.