Northern Yoruba leaders task Tinubu on poverty alleviation

A coalition of Yoruba Oba leaders across northern Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to ramp up efforts to combat poverty. The group's chairman, Alhaji Murtala Adeleke, made the plea during a press briefing following their quarterly meeting in Abuja. While acknowledging the need for economic reforms to take time, Adeleke urged the federal government to ensure the benefits of democracy reach rural communities.

The association also expressed disappointment that local government bodies have not yet fulfilled their duties despite being granted financial autonomy. Despite these challenges, the association has supported Tinubu's administration, citing positive changes in security, education, fuel supply, and the economy over the past three years.

Adeleke highlighted improvements in security, particularly in northern states, and praised the government for improving security personnel's welfare and establishing new military formations. The group also commended the administration for expanding access to university education through student financing initiatives and for curbing labor strikes by university staff.

Economically, the association noted the capital market's growth from N33tn in 2023 to N160tn-N170tn and the alleviation of fuel scarcity, which had previously forced northern residents to purchase fuel at inflated black-market prices.