By John Alechenu

An Ekiti State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ayodele Arise, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, insisting they are yielding positive results despite opposition criticisms.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Arise highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as transformative policies that are redirecting resources to critical sectors and expanding access to education for deserving youths.

“As far as I am concerned, from my perspective as a businessperson, the President’s decisions have benefitted many Nigerians. They have positively impacted economic growth, as shown by various statistics,” Arise said.

He noted that inflation has dropped significantly and that funds are now available to support institutions such as NELFUND. “The President does not want anyone to say they were unable to attend school because of tuition fees. NELFUND has rescued many who otherwise would not have been able to start or complete their tertiary education,” he added.

Arise further observed that before Tinubu’s administration, university students often spent six to seven years completing four-year programs due to prolonged strikes. “Since the President assumed office, attention has been given to the demands of unions like ASUU and NASU. Students are now able to graduate within the stipulated four years. This has helped curb brain drain, as young people can complete their studies in Nigeria just like their peers abroad,” he explained.

He also praised Tinubu’s efforts to grant financial autonomy to local government councils, stressing that such measures will ensure development reaches the grassroots