NRM presidential candidate promises policy reforms, youth Inclusion
By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
The Presidential Candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Mr. Fadere Oluwadamilare Joseph, has pledged to reverse what he described as unfavourable policies of the current administration if elected in 2027.
Joseph made the pledge while addressing journalists on Tuesday, lamenting the decline in Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions compared to earlier decades.
He said that Nigeria once enjoyed free and qualitative education, improved security, and employment opportunities for graduates, but noted that the situation had deteriorated significantly.
According to him, the country is now grappling with high unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship, which he attributed to what he called self-centred policies by political leaders.
“We had a country where citizens lived as their brother’s keeper, but today, insecurity and economic challenges have taken over,” he said.
Joseph criticised the removal of fuel subsidy without adequate plans to cushion its effects, as well as the state of public education, which he said had forced many Nigerians to rely on expensive private schools.
He also expressed concern over rising insecurity, alleging that inadequate welfare for security personnel and poor coordination among agencies had worsened the situation.
He stressed that the country had witnessed a steady decline from its early years of prosperity.
He said Nigeria once enjoyed free and quality education, improved security, and abundant employment opportunities, but had now become plagued by unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship.
“Years ago, Nigeria was a country people travelled to for education, where citizens lived in safety and graduates had jobs waiting for them.
“Today, we are faced with the opposite realities,” he added.
The NRM candidate decried rising insecurity, noting that citizens now live in fear, unlike in the past when movement across cities was relatively safe.
The NRM candidate called for increased funding, better equipment, and improved welfare for security operatives to effectively tackle insecurity.
On the economy, Joseph said his administration would focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, alleging that several companies had exited the country due to harsh economic conditions.
He also advocated investment in electricity to reduce reliance on fuel, noting that stable power supply would benefit a larger percentage of Nigerians.
Joseph further emphasised the need for youth participation in governance, urging Nigerians to elect leaders based on merit rather than political influence.
He urged the citizens to utilise their voting power to bring about change, stressing that national development required active civic participation.
He called for a generational shift in leadership and a comprehensive overhaul of government policies to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
The presidential hopeful said his candidacy under the NRM was aimed at “rescuing Nigeria” and restoring the country’s lost glory.