Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to freeing Nigeria’s natural and economic resources from illegal foreign exploitation while strengthening the nation against internal and external saboteurs.
Akande made the remarks in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a lecture titled “Governance, Structural Reforms and the Economic Landscape of Nigeria in the 21st Century,” at the maiden edition of the Joel Babatola Annual Lectures, organized by the Ekiti Council of Elders.
According to the elder statesman, Tinubu’s administration is working assiduously to “strengthen Nigerian unity against indigenous retrogressive saboteurs and the neo-colonialist grumblers,” while also “extricating Nigerian resources from massive illegal foreign exploitations.”
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He emphasized that the president’s focus on reclaiming control over the nation’s wealth and curbing foreign manipulation reflects his larger vision of national self-reliance and sovereignty. Akande described Tinubu as a leader determined to protect Nigeria’s interests “at least pending the fury of the threatened invasion from the global powers and international municipalities.”
The former Osun State governor noted that the administration’s ongoing reforms are anchored on human capital development, especially in the fields of science and technology, to empower young Nigerians for future innovation and productivity. He said these reforms are part of a long-term plan to reposition the country for economic diversification and sustainable development.
“President Tinubu is focusing on developing human capital in areas of science and technology that will equip our youth with practical knowledge,” Akande said. “This is crucial in building a strong foundation for industrial and technological advancement.”
He added that the president’s policy direction also prioritizes rapid infrastructure expansion, particularly in transportation and electricity, to catalyze productivity and enhance trade between rural and urban regions. Akande explained that this agenda involves close collaboration between the private sector, federal, state, and local governments.
“These initiatives are intended to support agricultural and industrial processing, and to improve the movement of goods and services,” Akande said, stressing that such synergy would help transform Nigeria’s economic landscape in the 21st century.
The APC stalwart urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s reform agenda, arguing that economic recovery requires patience, discipline, and collective sacrifice. He noted that rebuilding a weakened economy cannot be achieved overnight, but that the government’s strategy is already laying a foundation for stability and long-term prosperity.
Akande’s remarks come amid heightened global attention on Nigeria following a reported statement attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, allegedly threatening military action over claims of Christian persecution in northern Nigeria. The elder statesman, however, did not directly address the matter but hinted that Nigeria must remain vigilant against “external intimidation or interference disguised as humanitarian concern.”
He called on the international community to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and support its efforts to achieve peace and development through homegrown solutions. “No foreign power has the right to dictate how we solve our internal challenges,” Akande asserted.
Highlighting the historical importance of structural reforms, he said the country must continue to strengthen its institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficient governance. He also appealed to political leaders at all levels to prioritize unity, development, and national interest above partisan or personal considerations.
Concluding his lecture, Akande commended the Ekiti Council of Elders for initiating the Joel Babatola Annual Lectures, describing it as a valuable platform for policy dialogue and intergenerational learning. He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to engage more in intellectual discussions that promote progress and unity, rather than divisive rhetoric.
Akande’s message reinforced the need for consistent, purposeful leadership and citizen cooperation to secure Nigeria’s future in the face of domestic challenges and global uncertainties.