Lagos House of Assembly member Stephen Ogundipe Olukayode has acknowledged the economic hardship faced by Nigerians but urged citizens to allow President Bola Tinubu more time to implement reforms.
Speaking at an event marking his birthday in Sehinde Calisto, Oshodi, Lagos, the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 described the situation in the country as challenging but maintained that the administration is committed to stabilising the economy.
“Asiwaju was very sincere and plain. He spoke with the people as a father, that we must take things easy with him and that the country will come back into shape gradually,” Olukayode stated.
“We know there is hunger, but we should give him the benefit of the doubt. Nigeria is our country; we have no other place to go. We have the guarantee that things will get better.”
The lawmaker also assured that political tensions in Lagos State have been resolved, stressing that governance in the state is moving forward.
“Asiwaju has been meeting stakeholders, and some of the problems we have been talking about have been resolved, so Lagos is back. I can assure everyone that Lagos is back on track because the President has spoken, and we heard him clearly.”
Olukayode, who chairs the Lagos House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, called on Nigerians to allow the All Progressives Congress (APC) space to carry out its plans, stating that the party came into power through struggles and continues to work toward improvement.
“We urge Nigerians to give our party breathing space to make things happen. APC is a party that came in with struggle. I also urge politicians and those at the helm of affairs to take things easy and work on the situation on ground because it’s the way and manner we do things that the masses are looking at.”
The lawmaker also urged wealthier individuals to support those in need, saying:
“Rich people should spread their wealth; the people around them should feel their presence. Whoever God has blessed should also bless others.”
Reflecting on his two years in office, Olukayode emphasised the importance of infrastructure development and ensuring all constituencies benefit from Lagos State’s resources.
He added, “We are trying in Lagos, and we will continue to appeal for infrastructure development. We should make sure development in Lagos spreads across our constituencies so that everybody feels our impact.”
Regarding his achievements, Olukayode noted that his proposed bills focus on development, values, and humanity, particularly rewarding hardworking employees and addressing community needs such as road improvements.
He said, “We have packaged the road projects, and the Governor has assured me that he will visit us in Oshodi and see things for himself.”
The lawmaker also emphasised the importance of training young people for entrepreneurship, stating that his administration will continue supporting skills development and job creation.
“My constituents are giving me the necessary support to do more. We will continue to train our youth so that they won’t depend on collar jobs alone; we will do more empowerment.” We know there’s hunger but be patient with Tinubu, lawmaker begs Nigerians
