The Continuous Human Empowerment Initiative, Inclusive Support for Tinubu (CHEI-IST), has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the economic and social reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying meaningful results from major policy changes may take time to materialise.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Dr. Agu Goodluck Michael, made the appeal on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) at the association’s national headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
Michael acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but argued that the reforms being implemented by the administration should be given sufficient time and support to deliver their intended outcomes.
Drawing from his experience as a medical doctor, he likened Nigeria’s economic condition to that of a patient who had suffered multiple fractures, noting that recovery could not be expected immediately after admission.
“The mistake we would make is for a man with multiple fractures to believe that immediately he gets to the emergency, he will be well,” he said.
He explained that doctors would first assess the patient, determine the extent of the injuries and prescribe appropriate treatment before recovery could begin, adding that economic reforms should similarly be judged with consideration for both immediate challenges and long-term outcomes.
The CHEI-IST coordinator described the organisation as a non-political empowerment initiative committed to civic engagement and human development. He said its activities in healthcare, agriculture, youth development and skills acquisition were closely linked to the broader political and economic environment.
According to him, CHEI-IST has conducted medical outreaches and empowerment programmes in different parts of the country, with emphasis on equipping citizens with sustainable opportunities rather than relying mainly on temporary interventions or political patronage.
On healthcare, Michael called for increased investment in existing primary healthcare centres, rather than focusing predominantly on constructing new facilities.
He said many primary healthcare centres would become more effective if they were properly equipped, adequately staffed and supported with appropriate training and management systems.
“We must call a spade a spade. We must take responsibility,” he stressed, insisting that functional healthcare facilities were essential to improving access to quality medical services.
Addressing the migration of Nigerian doctors and other professionals abroad, popularly described as the “Japa” trend, he advocated better working conditions, modern medical equipment and improved access to financing as measures that could encourage professionals to return home.
He also proposed government-supported funding mechanisms that could enable medical practitioners to establish private healthcare facilities and create more attractive opportunities for professionals willing to practise in Nigeria.
On local government administration, Michael backed greater autonomy for local councils, arguing that local governments were closest to the people and should have adequate authority and resources to respond effectively to grassroots needs.
He maintained that stronger local governance could improve service delivery and contribute significantly to development at the state and national levels.
The CHEI-IST coordinator also cited improvements in infrastructure, workers’ remuneration and security as areas where he believed progress had been recorded under the Tinubu administration.
He said the organisation would continue to promote empowerment initiatives designed to provide citizens with sustainable livelihoods, while also encouraging education, civic participation and community engagement.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Michael urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, protect their votes and make informed choices based on the records, programmes and policies of candidates.
He said Nigeria possessed enormous human and economic potential, adding that sustained reforms, responsible governance and active citizen participation could help the country overcome its current challenges and achieve greater prosperity.