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Palliative: Financial Expert Warns Tinubu Against Sharing N8,000 To Poor Nigerians

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A financial expert, Gbenga Adeoye, has asked President Bola Tinubu to quench the plan by his government to distribute N8,000 to 12 million poor Nigerians in six months.

Recall that the President, on Thursday, requested N500 billion from the National Assembly, supposedly to be distributed to poor Nigerians as palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

In the letter, Tinubu explained that his government would transfer N8,000 a month to 12 million poor and low-income households with a multiplying effect on about 60 million individuals.

But Adeoye, in an interview with DAILY POST, told the President that he would not be able to cushion the effect of subsidy removal through the planned distribution of N8,000.

While alluding to the fact that Tinubu was prepared for the job due to the actions he took immediately after he assumed office, Adeoye, however, said “I have been disturbed by the plan of the Tinubu government to give N8,000 cash palliative to 12 million poor Nigerians for six months.”

Explaining why the cash palliative should be avoided, the Chartered Accountant said that N8,000 to 12 million Nigerians will amount to N96 billion a month and N576 billion in six months.

“Cash palliative does not befit a country that has not reached optimal production level, it is good in a country that has attained optimal production level but the people are restricted from going out to work. An example of such is the United States of America where cash was distributed during COVID-19 Restrictions because people could not go out to perform their economic activities,” he explained.

In his recommendations, the Tax expert suggested that the Federal Government acquire 200 buses per senatorial district at N30m per bus, stressing that N666 billion would be spent on acquiring 22,200 buses.

“This will reduce the cost of transportation if handed over to relevant stakeholders to manage.

“Ensure regular maintenance and run it as a pure business but regulate the rate based on locations. Make monthly tickets available. USE card over time like in OYSTER Card in the UK.

“Ensure there are savings from the income generated from the buses to be able to replace them after five years. Let no politician use the bus for free.

“All Nigerians will benefit from this as most people will no longer have to worry about the high cost of petrol,” he stated.

The lawyer also suggested giving N1,000,000 to 600,000 entrepreneurs, who will engage in petty businesses and will be able to employ four other Nigerians.

”The money, he said, should be paid back over a period of 10 years at a 2 or 5 percent maximum rate and if possible, at no interest since N576bn proposed by Federal Government is a free gift anyway.”

Adeoye informed that this will create 3 million direct and indirect employments.

Expressing further concerns about the planned N8,000 palliative, he asked: “How do we determine the poor Nigerians? How do we ensure the spread across the country? What will N8,000 do monthly?”

The UK Arbitrator said, “In my considered opinion, that move will not solve the poverty problem and hardship arising from fuel Subsidy removal.

”To give N8,000 per month is to give N266.67 per day. This will not produce the desired result as it means giving less than N90 per meal if it is assumed that the so-called poor will eat three times daily.

“The worst aspect of cash palliative is that people return to their level at the end of the programme, and that will cause more havoc after 6 months and can lead to unrest.

“Lastly I repeat, Mr President, please do not give out cash palliative of N576b. The amount is too much for such and the two alternatives enumerated above will have better impact than N266.67 per day to 12 million Nigerians.”

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Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”

He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”

Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.

He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.

“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”

The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.

He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”

“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”

Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.

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Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency

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The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.

In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.

Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote

Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.

The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.

President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded

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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience

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Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.

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