The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has requested President Bola Tinubu to implement tuition-free policies for all Federal Government tertiary institutions, aiming to alleviate the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidies in the country.
ECWA President, Rev. Stephen Panya, made the appeal during a news conference in Lagos, emphasising the need for prompt interventions to address rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
Commending Tinubu for the effort to restore the value of the naira, Panya stressed the urgency of mitigating current hardships.
He proposed significant wage increases for workers and the implementation of tuition-free policies for all Federal Government tertiary institutions.
“The current effort to revamp the economy, especially the restoration of the value of the naira, is commendable.
“However, immediate and far-reaching intervention measures are necessary to mitigate the current hardships on Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.
“This has already exacerbated the high rates of inflation, unemployment, and multi-dimensional poverty.
“There is a need to significantly increase the wages of workers and make all Federal Government tertiary institutions tuition-free, while other medium and long-term plans are being worked out,” Panya said.
Panya highlighted the necessity of responsible fiscal management, calling for measures such as cutting unnecessary expenses, enhancing revenue collection, and implementing targeted subsidies and social safety nets.
He underscored the importance of unity in a diverse nation and called for efforts to bridge ethnic, regional, and religious divides.
Expressing concern about the country’s fractured state along various lines, Panya urged Tinubu’s administration to work towards national cohesion, inclusiveness, and equitable distribution of democracy dividends.
News About Nigeria reports that he emphasised the role of the federal character principle outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
As a message to all Nigerians, Panya encouraged the application of love and unity, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity is a product of divine providence.
He concluded by urging adherence to the command of Jesus Christ to live in peace with everyone.
