Class of '99 to Tinubu: Invest in cottage industries, not N5000 handouts.

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Class of ’99 to Tinubu: Invest in Cottage Industries, Not N5,000 Handouts


Former governors who served from 1999 to 2007 have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the creation of cottage industries across Nigeria’s local government areas instead of distributing N5,000 palliatives, which they say offer no lasting relief to struggling citizens.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, the ex-governors — collectively known as the Class of ’99 — advised that sustainable job creation, particularly in rural areas, would better serve the nation than temporary handouts.

Chairman of the group and former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, highlighted the need to address growing economic hardship and rising insecurity. “People in rural communities are the most affected by the current economic challenges,” Igbinedion said. “We told the President that security must be the foundation of any meaningful development. Without security, there can be no progress.”

He further stressed the need for a stable economy, particularly in managing the exchange rate, but emphasized that job creation through small-scale industrialization should be a central focus.

“Giving someone N5,000 today solves nothing. What about tomorrow?” Igbinedion asked. “We urged the President to establish cottage industries in every local government area to provide jobs and reduce dependence on palliatives.”

The former governors also presented recommendations on tackling insecurity, strengthening agriculture, and improving the economy. According to Igbinedion, President Tinubu welcomed their suggestions and expressed readiness to consider their input.

“We visited our colleague to raise urgent matters affecting the country. He received us warmly and was receptive to our ideas. He assured us that his door remains open to constructive dialogue,” Igbinedion concluded.

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