Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Youth Development, has defended President Bola Tinubu, stating that the president is “too rich” to steal from Nigeria’s resources.
Speaking at a youth forum on Monday, Olawande assured Nigerians that President Tinubu’s wealth, amassed before taking office, means he has no incentive to loot the nation’s treasury.
Olawande urged the public to trust in the administration’s commitment to transparency and development, emphasizing that the president’s focus is on uplifting the country rather than personal gain.
He further highlighted Tinubu’s dedication to reducing poverty, increasing employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth through reforms and initiatives.
The minister also appealed to Nigerians to support the government’s policies and resist being swayed by opposition narratives that cast doubt on Tinubu’s leadership.
He stressed that the youth, in particular, should embrace the administration’s development agenda, noting that efforts were being made to empower young people through various programs and projects under the Ministry of Youth Development.
The statement comes amid growing concerns and criticisms over governance and resource management under the current administration, with Olawande positioning Tinubu as a leader with the financial independence to focus solely on national interests.