The recent address by the President, while acknowledging the lives lost in the protest, failed to deliver concrete solutions to the nation’s pressing issues. Instead, he regurgitated old policies that have proven ineffective, leaving many wondering if the administration is truly committed to change.

The President's promise to cultivate 10 million hectares of land is a repeat of last year’s pledge, yet no progress has been made. The mention of the coastal road project was met with skepticism, as it seems to be a misplaced priority. Meanwhile, critical issues like reducing the cost of governance and transparency in subsidy payments were glossed over.

The President's announcement of student loans and CNG kits sounds promising, but the execution remains to be seen. Have students received their loans? Is CNG gas readily available? These questions remain unanswered.

Moreover, the President’s silence on the electricity tariff hike is deafening. It’s clear that the administration is out of touch with the people’s concerns.

What’s needed now is a thorough and candid interview with the President, where he can be held accountable for his policies and actions. The nation deserves more than just empty promises and recycled rhetoric. It’s time for concrete solutions and tangible progress.

The President's address was an opportunity missed, leaving many to wonder if the administration is truly committed to change. The people demand more than just words; they demand action.

•Oshunfurewa Adebola, Writer from Lagos, is a participant in the August 1st to 10th #EndBadGovernance protest.

Update news