The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repayment of the $3.4 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, describing it as a bold step toward restoring Nigeria’s economic stability and fiscal credibility.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, the President of YCW, Aare (Oba) Oladotun Hassan, said the development demonstrates responsible leadership and a renewed commitment to economic revival.
“As President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, which represents Yoruba people at home and abroad, I commend President Tinubu for this decisive move. Repaying the IMF loan reflects a strong economic vision and dedication to national progress,” Hassan stated.
He further praised Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly the repurposing of confiscated assets for public use, calling it a strategic move to return stolen wealth back to the people. He also welcomed the administration’s youth-centered policies, including the student loan program and plans for a youth development academy.
“These initiatives are empowering the youth, improving Nigeria’s global perception, and building confidence in our foreign policy. It’s no surprise some opposition figures are already supporting his bid for a second term,” Hassan added.
Calling for national unity and political maturity, Hassan stressed that opposition leaders like Labour Party’s Peter Obi should not be seen as enemies but as potential partners in governance.
“There is nothing stopping Peter Obi and President Tinubu from working together. Their recent meeting in Rome, where they exchanged smiles, shows there’s room for cooperation beyond political rivalry,” he said.
He clarified that his message was not aimed at discrediting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, but to urge opposition leaders to contribute to national development, not just seek power at all costs.
“True leadership is about collaboration for the good of the country. Nigerians need to rise above toxic partisanship and support policies that move the nation forward,” he said.
On recent calls by Afenifere regarding power rotation, Hassan advised caution, urging the group to avoid turning political discourse into an ethnic struggle.
“Democracy should be about merit and performance, not ethnic entitlement. We should evaluate President Tinubu’s leadership across his full term before making such demands,” he cautioned.
He pointed to declining food prices — with rice falling from N120,000 to around N50,000 per bag — as evidence of the President’s impactful reforms.
“President Tinubu inherited an ailing economy, yet he’s rebuilding without excuses. His appointments have prioritized competence over cronyism, and he’s ensuring balanced development across regions,” Hassan said.
He concluded by emphasizing that the President deserves to see through his eight-year mandate, noting that continued support will consolidate the progress already made.
The Federal Government recently confirmed the repayment of the $3.4 billion IMF emergency loan taken during the COVID-19 crisis. According to Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the move enhances Nigeria’s fiscal image and relieves the country of burdens inherited from previous administrations.
