A non-governmental organization, the Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), has called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying meaningful reforms take time to yield visible results.
Dr. Agu Goodluck Michael, a medical doctor and the group’s National Coordinator, made the call on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at its national headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
While acknowledging that the country was going through a difficult period, Dr. Michael argued that the current administration had taken steps that could still produce positive outcomes if sustained. Drawing on his medical background, he likened Nigeria’s economy to a patient with multiple fractures, noting that recovery cannot happen the moment such a patient arrives at the hospital.
“The mistake we would make is for a man with multiple fractures to believe that immediately he gets to the emergency, he will be well,” he said, adding that economic reforms should be judged over time rather than by immediate hardship alone.
Dr. Michael described CHEI-IST as a non-political empowerment organization involved in civic engagement because of the link between political leadership and economic outcomes.
He said the group has carried out medical outreaches and empowerment programmes nationwide in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition.
On healthcare, he called for greater investment in upgrading existing primary healthcare centres rather than focusing only on building new ones, noting that many facilities lack the equipment, personnel and management needed to function properly. “We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” he said.
He also addressed the “Japa” trend of Nigerian professionals relocating abroad, suggesting that better working conditions, modern equipment and financing support, including government-backed funding for private medical facilities, could encourage more professionals to return home.
On governance, Dr. Michael backed greater autonomy for local governments, arguing that councils closest to the grassroots need adequate authority and resources to tackle local challenges.
He also pointed to what he called improvements in infrastructure, workers’ salaries and security under the Tinubu administration.
He said CHEI-IST’s empowerment approach prioritizes sustainable livelihoods over temporary aid or political handouts, and that the group would continue engaging communities through empowerment, education and civic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr. Michael urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, protect their votes and choose leaders based on a genuine assessment of candidates and policies, expressing confidence that sustained reforms and greater citizen participation could help Nigeria overcome its challenges.
