The immediate past Secretary to the Ogun State Government,Taiwo Adeoluwa, on Saturday called on Nigerians to endure the current economic difficulties brought on by President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies, stressing that these challenges are necessary for long-term economic recovery.
Adeoluwa emphasized that despite the tough times, the government is steering the country in the right direction and urged the public to remain patient as the benefits of the reforms will soon manifest.
The PUNCH reported that Adeoluwa made these remarks during the official inauguration of Shafih Amusa, a Revenue Consultant, and Muritala Adekunle, a senior official in Ogun State, as Emperor and Deputy Emperor, respectively, of the Empire Section of the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club.
The event drew several notable figures, including the club’s president, Seni Ogunyemi, who also serves as the Commander of the Ogun State Transport Compliance and Enforcement Agency, as well as prominent government officials like the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, and the Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun.
The outgoing Emperor, Samson Dosunmu, also graced the occasion alongside other dignitaries.
Addressing the media at the event, Adeoluwa reflected on the current state of the nation, acknowledging that, “There can be no doubt that things are very hard for everyone. The peculiar aspect of our circumstances is that everyone is concerned, but I can tell you for free that the government of the day is on the right path.”
He called for patience, reassuring Nigerians that they would soon begin to see the positive outcomes of these tough but necessary reforms.
“As Nigerians, we just have to be patient for the benefits of these reforms to begin to materialise. We are all stakeholders in this race, and we wish President Bola Tinubu well in all his endeavours,” he added.
Adeoluwa further urged the newly crowned Emperor Amusa to uphold the core values of the Abeokuta Sports Club, which include integrity, unity, and selfless service.
He stressed that these qualities were essential to fostering the development of both Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his own address, Emperor Amusa encouraged social clubs to actively support the government’s developmental efforts, especially during these trying economic times.
He emphasized that the current economic situation called for increased collaboration, particularly from social clubs, to provide greater support for the population.
“We have always given back to society in various ways; we engage in numerous philanthropic activities, and we are involved in other projects in the community. In this critical time we find ourselves in, we should not relent,” Amusa stated.
He went on to highlight the club’s commitment to societal well-being, noting, “We have always prioritised giving back to society; we know that the economy may be harsh, but out of that little we have, we must learn to support others. I am sure that Abeokuta Sports Club will always take the lead with its over 3,000 members…”
Addressing the youth, Amusa encouraged them to remain positive and avoid destructive behaviors that could hinder their potential.
He reminded them that, “If you say things are hard, our leaders are corrupt, and you now want to be negative, embracing vices and violence, then you will have yourself to blame when the long arm of the law catches up with you. But if you choose to stay positive in your community and your school, and are willing to add value to the lives of others, you’re definitely on your way to the top; I speak from experience. Our youths must maintain a positive outlook on life to achieve their goals.”
As the new Emperor of the Empire Section, Amusa vowed to leverage his past leadership roles and professional expertise to uplift the section and contribute meaningfully to societal growth.
Drawing on his experience as a former section secretary and immediate past Deputy Emperor, he assured that he had the skills and connections needed to drive the section forward.
“I bring with me rich experience as someone who has served as secretary of the Empire Section, one of the 15 sections of the club, for six years, and as the immediate past Deputy Emperor of the section. I am also bringing my network of high-net-worth individuals,” he said.
Amusa’s commitment to purposeful leadership and the club’s core values of camaraderie was evident in his dedication to ensuring that the Empire Section continues to thrive as a hub for national unity and development.
“I am bringing my expertise as a revenue consultant to some states, so harnessing funds to drive our vision and mission won’t be a problem. I am committed to purposeful leadership and camaraderie that will further enhance our unity as a nation,” he added.
He concluded by describing the Empire Section as a unique space within Abeokuta Sports Club, where members come together to foster friendships, support one another, and contribute to national development.
“It is a place of friendship where we cherish and encourage the unity of all to move the nation forward,” Amusa noted.
