The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and National Leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his recent comments in Jos, where the President promised to install CCTV cameras in the Plateau State capital following attacks on a community.
Speaking at the annual Oke ‘Badan Festival held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Adams argued that CCTV installation should not be limited to Jos but deployed across the entire country.
“We are surprised that President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to Jos, was just saying that CCTV gadgets will be fixed in Jos. But I dare say CCTV ought to be installed across the entire country,” he said.
Adams noted that one of the key pillars of security in developed nations is the strategic placement of CCTV, even on streets.
He linked effective surveillance to stable electricity, stressing that “without adequate and regular power supply, there is no life.”
He lamented Nigeria’s current power generation, stating it is inadequate for national development. “It is funny how Nigeria can be talking about 5,000 megawatts at this stage of our development as a nation,” Adams said.
He compared Nigeria to South Africa, which has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 58,000 megawatts, though operational output often drops below 30,000 megawatts due to maintenance issues, with ESKOM supplying roughly 90% of that power.
He also cited Egypt as Africa’s largest electricity producer, with over 60,000 megawatts of capacity and expanding solar and wind projects.
“Nigeria must take a cue from other forward-thinking nations and resolve the power challenge decisively because it is the main obstacle to the wholesome development of our economy,” Adams stated.
He urged the federal government to decentralize electricity generation and give states one to two years to produce their own power, insisting that a viable economy is impossible without stable electricity.
On the recent petrol price hike linked to the Israel-America-Iran conflict, Adams blamed the federal government for lacking strategic reserves to cushion citizens.
“We could have gone into our reserve. Venezuela and the United States have reserves that can serve their country for 30 years,” he said.
He proposed that Nigeria set aside 500,000 barrels daily from its 2.5 million barrels production as a buffer.
“It’s about good governance, having a vision as a government. We should prepare for the next 50 years. It’s a lesson for Nigeria and we should learn to prepare for evil days.”
Adams called for people-oriented policies that prioritize citizens’ welfare and promote inclusive growth, ensuring economic benefits reach the broader population rather than a small elite.
“Nigeria can build a more stable and inclusive economy capable of withstanding external shocks and improving the welfare of its citizens,” he added.
On culture, the OPC leader urged the Oyo State government to develop the Oke ‘Badan festival into a major tourist destination and called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to organize a befitting festival.
“I am using this occasion to call on Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, to begin to organise a befitting festival, and not just leaving it to those priests behind the festival,” he said.
He also appealed to all Southwest state governments to promote and sponsor festivals across the region to boost tourism and economic potential, describing it as a “clarion call to the governments to lead the initiative to promote Yoruba identity and culture.”
Adams encouraged Ibadan indigenes to adopt a positive attitude toward the city’s development.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ige, restated the state government’s commitment to preserving and uplifting its cultural identity.
He pledged support to sustain and enhance the Oke ‘Badan festival to an enviable status.
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