The Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), has urged Nigerians to be patient with the policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu, saying some of the reforms require time before their full impact can be assessed.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Dr. Agu Goodluck Michael, made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at the association’s headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
Dr. Michael acknowledged that Nigerians were facing economic difficulties but argued that the administration had introduced measures that could produce positive outcomes if sustained.
Using a medical analogy, the physician likened Nigeria’s economic situation to that of a patient with multiple fractures, stating that recovery could not 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.
According to him, economic reforms should be evaluated over a longer period rather than solely on the basis of short-term hardships.
Dr. Michael said CHEI-IST, which he described as a non-political empowerment organisation, engages in civic issues because of the relationship between governance, economic conditions and its programmes in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition.
He said the organisation had conducted medical outreaches and empowerment initiatives across the country and believed that expanding access to opportunities remained critical to national development.
On healthcare, he called for increased investment in existing primary healthcare centres, arguing that many facilities require equipment, personnel, training and stronger management structures to function effectively.
“We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” he said.
The medical practitioner also addressed the migration of Nigerian professionals abroad, commonly known as the “Japa” phenomenon.
He said improved working conditions, modern medical equipment and access to financing could encourage more healthcare professionals to remain in or return to Nigeria.
He suggested government-backed financing schemes to support doctors seeking to establish private medical facilities and expand healthcare services.
Speaking on local government administration, Dr. Michael expressed support for greater autonomy for local councils, describing them as the tier of government closest to the people and better placed to address grassroots challenges.
He also cited what he described as improvements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare and security under the Tinubu administration.
According to him, CHEI-IST’s empowerment approach focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods rather than providing temporary assistance.
Dr. Michael said the organisation would continue its community engagement programmes through empowerment initiatives, education and civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He encouraged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, safeguard their votes and make informed political choices based on candidates’ records and policies.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, he said sustained reforms, improved governance and active citizen participation could help Nigeria address its challenges and achieve greater prosperity.
