Economic hardship: Nigerians will smile soon, says Edun

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has assured that notwithstanding the pains of the harsh economic realities and the surging prices of food and other commodities, Nigerians will soon smile again.

Edun said that the economy would continue to soar higher, noting that what is best for the country and eases the pains of Nigerians is foremost in the mind of President Bola Tinubu.

He disclosed this while speaking at the burial of Dr Onaolapo Soleye, former Finance Minister, held at Owu Baptist Church, Abeokuta, on Friday.

This is just as Governor Dapo Abiodun has equally promised to immortalise the late minister to appreciate his contributions to the economic development of the nation.

Soleye, a former minister during the military regime of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), died at 90 last November.

Edun said, “What is good for Nigeria is what is uppermost in our minds, not what the IMF or any other foreign organisation thinks.

“By God’s grace, under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will move forward with this economy, and Nigerians will smile again.”

He acknowledged the brilliance and contribution of Soleye to the nation’s economy during his lifetime, saying he was able to resolve some trade disputes through some of his initiatives.

Speaking earlier, the Ogun State governor said his administration plans to immortalise the late Soleye.

Abiodun acknowledged the contribution of Soleye to the development of the Western Region, noting that Oodua Investment Group was birthed during his tenure as Commissioner for Industries.

He also contributed to the success of Ogun State as Commissioner for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives, as well as Works and Housing and later Finance.

Governor Abiodun added that it was under the watch of Soleye as Commissioner for Industries that the Gateway Hotels were built and commissioned across the state.

The deceased served as finance minister between 1984 and 1985 under the military regime of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, where he fought and resisted the devaluation of the naira and also ensured that new notes were printed.

“Baba was a gentleman. But as gentle as he was, he was also an activist. From all accounts, he was a black nationalist.