📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
The Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), has urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms time to produce results, acknowledging the hardship associated with the ongoing changes.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Dr. Agu Goodluck Michael, made the call on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at the association’s national headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
Michael, a medical doctor, acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but argued that some of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration require time before their full impact can be properly assessed.
Using a medical analogy, he compared the Nigerian economy to a patient suffering from multiple fractures, saying recovery cannot be expected immediately after treatment begins.
“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.
He argued that economic policies should therefore be evaluated beyond their immediate effects, particularly where reforms are designed to address longstanding structural challenges.
Michael said CHEI-IST, which he described as a non-political empowerment initiative, became involved in civic engagement because of the link between political leadership, economic conditions and its programmes in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition.
According to him, the organisation has conducted medical outreaches and empowerment programmes in different parts of the country, with a focus on helping citizens gain access to opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
Calls for Stronger Primary Healthcare
The CHEI-IST coordinator also advocated increased investment in existing primary healthcare centres rather than focusing predominantly on constructing new facilities.
He said many primary healthcare centres across the country require adequate equipment, trained personnel, funding and effective management to function optimally.
“We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” Michael said, stressing the need to ensure that healthcare facilities are properly equipped and staffed.
Doctor Migration
Addressing the continued migration of Nigerian doctors and other professionals abroad, popularly known as the “Japa” phenomenon, Michael called for improved working conditions and better opportunities for medical professionals in Nigeria.
He suggested the creation of government-backed financing mechanisms that could enable doctors to establish private healthcare facilities and provide incentives for professionals abroad who may wish to return and practise in the country.
Local Government Autonomy
Michael also expressed support for greater autonomy for local governments, arguing that councils are closest to citizens at the grassroots and should have sufficient resources and authority to respond to local challenges.
He said stronger local governance could improve development outcomes and contribute to progress at the state and national levels.
The CHEI-IST coordinator further pointed to what he described as improvements in infrastructure, workers’ salaries and security under the Tinubu administration.
He said the organisation’s empowerment model was focused on helping citizens build sustainable livelihoods rather than relying mainly on temporary assistance or political handouts.
2027 Elections
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Michael said CHEI-IST would continue engaging communities through empowerment, education and civic participation.
He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, protect their votes and make political choices based on their assessment of candidates and their policies.
Michael expressed optimism that sustained reforms, improved governance and greater citizen participation could help Nigeria overcome its current challenges and move towards greater prosperity.
