Oyetola highlights Tinubu’s impact on policy reform

President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has positively influenced Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, particularly in the reassessment and refinement of public policies, says Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.

Represented by Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Oyetola made stated this on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

He spoke during the inaugural International Conference on Public Policy, Governance and Development Agenda at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

The conference was hosted by the Department of Public Administration at the Faculty of Technology Lecture Theatre.

Its theme was ‘Building a Promising Future in Africa Through Policy Re-Evaluation,’ drawing scholars, practitioners and policymakers from across the continent.

The Minister urged Nigerians to support government programmes designed to deliver practical benefits to the people and strengthen national development.

“We must start an intellectual revolution that urges key governance actors to critically evaluate societal progress and take bold, transformative decisions,” he stated.

Oyetola described President Tinubu as an unapologetic reformist whose actions over the past two years demand national support.

He called on all citizens to rally behind the President in the ongoing process of policy re-evaluation and national transformation.

Oyetola stressed the need for reforms that require not only bold government action but also citizens’ patience and intellectual honesty during transition periods.

He urged Nigerians to reflect collectively and reassess the country’s position to ensure lasting progress and inclusive development.

He also highlighted the importance of fostering strong, respectful relationships between academic institutions and government actors.

“If Africa seeks to compete globally, it must embrace robust economic policies and societal order,” he added.

Oyetola praised the conference theme as timely, appealing to all development-focused individuals, institutions and African nations.

He noted that Nigeria, with its youthful population, must embrace evaluation and policy reforms within current competitive global economy.

He applauded the Department of Public Administration for initiating a data-driven dialogue to improve governance practices in Nigeria.

The Local Organising Committee Chair, Prof. Anthony Adedoyin, expressed joy that the event attracted dignitaries and was a major success.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, thanked all participants and dignitaries for supporting the initiative.

Bamire called the theme timely and encouraged attendees to explore the campus and enjoy the occasion.

Prof Taiwo Olaiya, Head of the Department of Public Administration, expressed gratitude to all who made the event possible.

He stated that policy is foundational. “Good policies lead to wellbeing, while bad ones cause suffering.

“Policy guides governance. Through it, we define our development priorities,” he said.

He called the initiative noble and acknowledged the challenges of successfully hosting the conference.

Olaiya revealed that five previous attempts to organise such a conference failed since 1963 — until now.