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The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to consider making all Federal Government tertiary institutions tuition-free. This appeal comes as a measure to alleviate the hardships caused by the recent fuel subsidy removal in the country.

During a news conference held to announce the church concert and convention in Lagos from Nov. 9 to 12, the President of ECWA, Rev. Stephen Panya, passionately expressed the need for immediate intervention to ease the burden on Nigerians.

While acknowledging Mr. Tinubu’s efforts in restoring the value of the naira, Rev. Panya emphasised the necessity to implement noteworthy measures to address the current challenges faced by Nigerians.

He stated, “The current effort to revamp the economy, especially the restoration of the value of the naira, is commendable. However, immediate and far-reaching intervention measures are necessary to mitigate the current hardships on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira. This has already exacerbated the high rates of inflation, unemployment and multi-dimensional poverty.”

Rev. Panya stressed the urgency to increase workers’ wages significantly and proposed the idea of making all Federal Government tertiary institutions tuition-free, while simultaneously devising medium and long-term plans to tackle the prevailing economic challenges.

Furthermore, he underlined the crucial need for responsible fiscal management, advocating for the reduction of unnecessary expenses, improved revenue collection, and the implementation of targeted subsidies and social safety nets for vulnerable groups through the revitalised national social investment programme.

Rev. Panya called attention to the constitutional affirmation of Nigeria as a secular, united, and indivisible country, recognising its diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural composition. He expressed concern over the deep-seated fractures along ethnic, regional, and religious lines that demand urgent healing.

Addressing the imperative need for national unity and cohesion, he urged President Tinubu’s administration to earnestly work towards bridging divides, fostering inclusivity, ensuring equitable distribution of democracy dividends, eliminating discriminatory policies, and fostering a sense of belonging in every segment of Nigerian society.

Emphasising the significance of embracing love and unity, he remarked, “Nigeria is not an accident of history but the product of God’s divine providence. Let us all work together to translate our diversities into strength, progress, and development.”

Concluding his address, Rev. Panya reiterated the commitment of Christians to living in peace with everyone and upholding the command of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

NAN