By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Two prominent Nigerians have lent their voices to the rising calls for proper attention to be paid to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, and the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency in Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. (Chief) Olatunji Emmanuel Oshati, popularly called Maxima, called on the federal and state governments to prioritize citizens’ welfare in 2025 even as Oshati lauded his supporters for being alive to see this year.
Oguntoyinbo urged wealthy Nigerians to, “as a matter of giving back to the society”, imbibe the spirit of helping the needy and downtrodden masses.
Oguntoyinbo, who is a renowned philanthropist, said making the welfare of citizens top priority had promoted many countries of the world and brought them to limelight.
He made these known while speaking with journalists on the sideline of a New Year party organised by his company.
The event held at Bullion Go-Neat Park, Ibafo, Ogun State.
Celebrities Taye Currency, 9ice, Femi Lancaster, Tope Indomie and a new artiste on Bullion Records, Abdul Rahman Yusuf, popularly known as Harcher, added spice and colour by entertaining guests at the occasion.
Oguntoyinbo said: “Let me first of all congratulate all Nigerians, especially the Ogun state residents, that made it into the New Year 2025. I pray that things that have not been working well in their households will begin to work well, in the mighty name of God.Whatever we lay our hands on will prosper in this New Year.
“I want to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state governors that they should please put the citizens’ welfare on the front burner this New Year.
“My advice for both the federal and state governments is that they should take the citizens’ welfare as the number one priority.
“When you make your citizens number one on your agenda, they will add value to the nation and the country will be ranked high among the nations of the world.
“There is no way your country will be doing well, that the world will not give you recognition. If you travel from here to other countries of the world, you will realize that countries that put the welfare of their citizens as priorities are enjoying the fruitfulness of that now.
“So, in this New Year, my advice is that governments should make sure that as they formulate policies, they should create policies that will enhance the living conditions of the people. They should formulate policies that will benefit Nigerians, so that we will not continue facing setbacks. You can see how we lost a lot of people recently. This is as a result of we are not getting it right; we failed to bring to the fore the exact policies that needed to be introduced for the masses.
“Had it been that government has seen it as something important and produced foodstuffs at affordable rate during the last festivity period of Christmas and New Year celebration, it would have reduced the number of people that are feeling hungry in their homes.”
Oguntoyinbo further called on well-to-do Nigerians to assist the less privileged, saying this was important as government alone can not provide all the needs of the less privileged.
“Every year, I try to bring happiness to the people, especially Nigerians, by entertaining them on the first day of the year. Aside New Year, I give to the needy constantly. I want others to emulate this and bring joy and happiness to the people in their neighbourhoods.
“I want everyone to note that even if you keep the whole world into your account, when you die, you will not take the money along. Your family members may not even have access to the money.
“So, as much as God has blessed you, use your money to help Nigerians. Use it to help the masses so that those who are looking for ways to feed themselves, you will put something to their mouths. And as you are doing this, God will keep blessing you from different angles.”
On his part, Hon. Oshati congratulated his constituents in particular and residents of Ondo state generally for being alive to witness 2025.
Hon. Oshati, an ally of Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Akure, the state capital, South-West Nigeria, called for greater efforts by relevant stakeholders in matters of public welfare.
The grassroots politician appealed to Ondo residents to continue to support the Aiyedatiwa administration.
He stated: “Despite all challenges, Nigerians and our good people in Ondo State have cause to be grateful to God for letting us witness the New Year.
“In Ose constituency, the best is yet to happen. We just need to be patient and continue to support the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“I assure you that in this New Year, you shall have joyful tidings.
“As a lawmaker, I can assure you that you won’t regret voting us into office. I, my entire family, and the entire All Progressives Congress (APC), the progressives in Ose, wish all our people a most prosperous New Year.”
