President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the tax reforms introduced by his administration are designed to ease the financial burden on Nigerians and reposition the economy for sustainable growth.
The President stated this at the 8th Annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, held in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, at the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, UI.
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji, said recent economic measures were already yielding results, noting that companies that previously posted losses were now recording profits.
He assured Nigerians that the new tax laws would bring significant relief in the coming year, stressing that the reforms were necessary to remove heavy economic burdens and stabilise the economy. According to him, Nigerians should not be afraid, as the policies are aimed at long-term national benefit.
While paying tribute to the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the President described him as a great son of Ibadan who served Nigeria with distinction.
He said Ajimobi brought peace, development and structure to governance in Oyo State and broke the second-term jinx in the state.
Tinubu noted that much of the political stability and legacy of the APC in Oyo State could be traced to Ajimobi’s leadership style, which placed people at the centre of governance. He urged APC leaders in the state to remain united, describing unity as the best honour they could give to Ajimobi’s memory.
In her welcome address, the President of the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF), Dr Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, commend President Tinubu for his consistent support for the annual roundtable. She also acknowledged the innovative leadership of the FIRS Chairman, Dr Zacchaeus Adedeji, and expressed appreciation to dignitaries who honoured the event.
Dr. Ajimobi expressed joy over her nomination as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pledging to meet and exceed expectations with boldness, courage, knowledge and integrity.
She noted that the theme of the roundtable focused on addressing the essential components of democracy, the people and political parties.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a leader who believed that governance must be anchored on structure, discipline and direction. He said Ajimobi held the view that politics without order degenerates into chaos, stressing that his leadership philosophy remains relevant to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The lead paper at the roundtable, titled “Pathways to Electoral Credibility: Reforming Political Parties, Re-engaging Citizens and Restoring Trust in Democracy in Nigeria,” was delivered by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, a renowned diplomat and former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
Professor Gambari highlighted lessons from past elections, noting that election rigging offers no real benefit and warning that one-party dominance does not endure, often ending in instability or military intervention. He cited historical examples, including the NPN and PDP, and insisted that a one-party system would not work in Nigeria.
Gambari identified key challenges to electoral credibility, including voter apathy and democratic disillusionment, and called for reforms to reduce the cost of politics, strengthen civil society and empower watchdog institutions.
He described the continued disenfranchisement of Nigerians in the diaspora as wrong and warned of the growing coup culture in West Africa, urging greater attention to diplomacy. According to him, regional challenges can only be addressed through collective effort,
He stressed that reforms must be implemented urgently, as the 2027 elections are less than two years away, adding that democracy is not a gift but a responsibility.
Chairman of the day, Chief Aremo Olusegun Osoba, said his relationship with the late Ajimobi dated back to Ajimobi’s family roots, describing him as warm-hearted and committed to public service. He commended Ambassador Florence Ajimobi, expressing confidence that her tenure would be successful. Osoba said civilian government remains the best option for Nigeria and urged leaders to implement policies that have real impact at the grassroots. He added that the benefits of subsidy removal must reach ordinary citizens, noting that elite failure remains a major challenge to democracy.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum described the roundtable as a fitting honour to the late Ajimobi and acknowledged Ambassador Florence Ajimobi. He said the elite must protect democracy and noted that since 2023, Nigeria has been an agent of change.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, congratulated Florence Ajimobi on her appointment as ambassador-designate. He said the foundation laid by late Governor Ajimobi in Oyo State continues to guide governance, describing his legacy as one of good governance.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of an award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the cutting of a cake.
The annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, which holds every December 16 to mark the late governor’s birthday, began in 2018 with the aim of deepening intellectual and policy-driven democratic discourse.
Dignitaries at the event included the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; former Deputy Governors Moses Alake Adeyemo, Engr. Remi Olaniyan and Iyiola Oladokun;
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Senators Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, Yinus Akintunde and Teslim Folarin; Hon. Remi Oseni; Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe; Chief Biodun Sobanjo (OON); Chief Akin Oke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Juwon Adetiba; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; and Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi, among other traditional rulers and stakeholders.
