The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has expressed concern over the escalating hardship in the country, which he attributes to the federal government’s economic policies.
He highlighted the daily rise in fuel prices and the increasing cost of essential food items, which continue to deepen the struggles of citizens and families.
In his newsletter on Saturday, Governor Makinde candidly acknowledged the severe economic difficulties Nigerians are facing. “There’s no sugar-coating it: things are hard. Fuel prices are rising again. Everyday essentials feel out of reach. I know that for many, each morning starts with a calculation of what can be stretched, what must be cut, what will have to wait. It’s an exhausting burden too many Nigerians are carrying,” he wrote.
Despite the challenging situation, Makinde offered words of encouragement, urging Nigerians to persevere, reassuring them that tough times would eventually pass. He reminded the people of the resilience and strength of Nigerians, stating, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. And Nigerians are tough. We have survived military rule, made do with little, and turned scarcity into creativity. We have built dreams from dust, and joy from the most unexpected places.”
The governor emphasized that his message was not meant to dismiss the pain Nigerians are enduring, but rather to remind them of their ability to overcome adversity. “Even in the storm, we are not powerless. We are a people who know how to adapt. We know how to push through. We know how to hold on. And more than that, we know how to look out for each other,” he added.
Governor Makinde also assured the people of Oyo State that his administration remains committed to easing their burdens. He pointed out that in February 2025, Oyo State recorded the third-lowest food inflation rate in the country, a result of the state’s activities in the agricultural sector over the past year. He promised that the government would continue to work towards making such progress the norm, rather than the exception.
The governor urged Nigerians to show compassion and kindness to one another during these tough times, stressing the importance of love and charity. “So, if you’re tired today, rest. But don’t lose heart. If you can, be kind. Be kind to yourself, and to others. It matters more than you think,” Makinde said.
He concluded with a message of hope, encouraging Nigerians to choose faith over fear and to believe that better days are ahead. “Let us choose faith over fear. Let us hold on to what makes us human: love, laughter, real hope.
Let us continue to believe that better is possible, because it is. One day soon, this moment will pass. And when it does, may we be standing not just as survivors, but as a people who refused to give up on themselves, or on each other. We are strong. We will not be broken.”
