From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Government has disclosed that in 2022, a year before President Bola Tinubu took over power, Nigeria spent $25 billion in subsidies.
While the country spent about $10 billion on foreign subsidies, it also spent about $15 billion on forex subsidies. But, the country was spending less than $10 billion on capital projects.
Speaking after decorating the new Controller General of Federal Fire Service (FFS), Samuel Adeyemi, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, remarked that when subsidy is paid at the expense of development, it will be difficult to have any development.
Tunji-Ojo charged the new CG not to expect to have 100 percent support because if a leader is waiting for a 100 percent support, he will not do the right thing.
“The truth is, if you are waiting for 100 percent support, you will never do the right thing. Leadership is not a popularity contest and leadership is not about who likes or who hates you. Leadership is the conviction of doing what is right. That’s the truth. So, do not think everybody will support you. Even in the Ministry of Interior, it is not everybody that is supporting me.
I know what I face every day. If you are in a system where nobody is fighting you, just understand that corruption reigns in that system. That’s the truth,” he admonished the CG.
Earlier, Adeyemi had expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Controller General, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, while praising his immense contributions to the growth and progress of the service. He noted that Jaji’s legacy would remain a reference point for the service. Underscoring the impact of his leadership, he also appealed for unity among officers and staff, emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving the service’s objectives.
He assured Jaji of his willingness to seek his guidance whenever necessary, demonstrating his respect for his predecessor’s experience and expertise.
“This gesture highlights Adeyemi’s commitment to building on the foundations laid by Jaji and ensuring continuity in the service’s operations.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior officers of the service and key departmental heads.
The event marked the beginning of a new era in the leadership of the Federal Fire Service, with Adeyemi poised to drive the service’s mission to protect lives and property from fire.
As Adeyemi settles into his new role, he faces the challenge of building on the progress made by his predecessor, while introducing new initiatives to further enhance the service’s effectiveness. With his experience and expertise, he is well-positioned to lead the Federal Fire Service towards achieving its goals and objectives.
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