Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the policies, though painful, are necessary to reposition the country for long-term prosperity.
Kalu made the appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful and Nigerians on Tuesday, urging citizens not to lose hope despite the prevailing economic hardship across the country.
According to the former Senate Chief Whip, the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are aimed at rebuilding the economy and laying a sustainable foundation for national growth.
“The reforms may be painful today, but they are for good reasons and in the overall interest of Nigerians,” Kalu said.
“I appeal to citizens to remain patient and supportive of the government as efforts are being made to rebuild the economy and secure a better future for all,” he added.
The senator stressed that unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility were critical to overcoming the nation’s current economic difficulties, warning against actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.
Kalu also called on Nigerians to embrace peace, religious tolerance and national cohesion, especially during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Speaking further, the lawmaker advocated a shift from what he described as an overdependence on consumption to a productive economy driven by investment, entrepreneurship and industrial growth.
“We must encourage investment, local production and entrepreneurship. A production-driven economy will create jobs for our youths, strengthen local industries and reduce overdependence on imports,” he stated.
Kalu urged young Nigerians to focus on innovation, skills acquisition and enterprise development, describing them as essential tools for self-reliance and national development.
He congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and prayed for lasting peace, improved security and economic recovery across the country.
The former governor expressed optimism that Nigeria would emerge stronger from its present economic challenges through unity, resilience and shared sacrifice among citizens.
