Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has commended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, stating that they have contributed to stabilising the economy and strengthening Nigerians’ purchasing power.
Speaking during a media parley held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the former senator who represented Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011 said there have been noticeable improvements in the past two and a half years.
“I think there’s a lot going on, positively. One is the stabilization of the Naira. What that does is that people can predict how much money they will spend on imports and how much income they will get. So stabilization of the Naira is a big one,” she said.
She added that economic predictability has helped businesses plan better, especially in areas affected by foreign exchange fluctuations. According to her, improved collaboration at both local and international levels, including the President’s foreign engagements, has also supported economic growth and security efforts.
Prof. Obasanjo also praised the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, describing it as a strategic investment that would enhance trade, connect ports along the corridor, and reduce congestion on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“There might have been negativity around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, but it is a developmental move that will help generate income and connect ports within the axis,” she said. She noted that the project would ease pressure on Ogun State roads, which serve as a major transit route to other parts of the country.
2027 Governorship Ambition
On her political future, the epidemiology specialist made it clear that her governorship aspiration is serious and not intended to pave the way for any other candidate. She expressed determination to contest for the governorship seat in Ogun State in 2027 and succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
She said her administration would consolidate ongoing industrialisation efforts in the state, expand agricultural value chains, and strengthen tourism and manufacturing.
“The current administration has made impressive moves with industrialization—the number of factories we have, because with those factories come jobs, opportunity and taxation,” she noted, adding that Ogun State could position itself as a major industrial hub in Nigeria.
She also emphasised the importance of expanding agricultural production and processing, leveraging the state’s proximity to Lagos and access to port facilities to boost exports.
In addition, she pledged to prioritise investment in ICT and technology education to create employment opportunities and promote innovation.
Why APC?
Explaining her decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Obasanjo said she felt comfortable within the ruling party, noting that several political associates she had previously worked with are now members of the APC.
“One major reason why I settled for the APC is because some of the chieftains who I knew before from other parties are now with the ruling party,” she said, stressing that relationships play a critical role in politics.
What You Should Know
Iyabo Obasanjo has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing currency stabilisation and increased international collaboration as key gains.
She also endorsed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project as a driver of economic expansion and reduced congestion.
The former senator confirmed her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun governorship election under the APC, pledging to focus on industrialisation, agriculture, ICT, and job creation if elected.
