The lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde, has appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to remain patient with the Federal Government as economic reforms continue to bite, assuring that current national challenges will soon give way to better days.
Senator Akintunde spoke on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the Shafaudeen International Annual Convention (Ishrat 2026) held at the Shafaudeen International Headquarters, Wakajaye, Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
Addressing concerns about the growing hardship in the country, the senator admitted that the situation has become increasingly tough for ordinary citizens but maintained that temporary discomfort is normal in the process of national adjustment.
“Things are very difficult for people on the streets, and my advice is that we should bear with government,” he said.
“For every relief in life, there will be difficulties. What we are passing through is part of the process.”
Akintunde defended ongoing federal policies such as fuel subsidy removal and naira flotation, arguing that although they have caused short-term hardship, they are necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.
He drew an analogy to childbirth to illustrate his point.
“If you marry a wife today, you can’t have a child today. The woman must pass through nine months of pains and discomfort. But what is the end result? A bouncing baby. So our ‘bouncing baby’ as a nation is very near,” he said.
Responding to questions on what hope exists for young Nigerians, Senator Akintunde noted that while the difficulties are real, government initiatives such as student loans are part of deliberate interventions aimed at reducing barriers to education.
“Before we came in, if you wanted to go to school and didn’t have money, you couldn’t go. Today, government has made provision for you to take a loan. If you are sure of your focus, take a loan, get educated, get a job and move on. Government is trying,” he said.
The senator also spoke on the relationship between religion and traditional culture in Nigeria. According to him, both are inseparable components of identity.
“I’m a Muslim and a Yoruba man; you can’t separate the two. Religion, tradition and culture are like tea, milk and sugar. If you combine them well, you enjoy them,” he remarked.
Speaking on whether the Senate is working on laws to cushion the hardship faced by citizens, Akintunde reiterated that the primary responsibility of government as mandated by the constitution remains the protection and welfare of the people. He assured that the National Assembly continues to support all efforts aimed at improving economic security and stabilising the nation.
