President Bola Tinubu praises former Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, for his dedication to creating a Nigeria that serves everyone’s interests.
During the public presentation of Fashola’s book titled “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole,” held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, President Tinubu, represented by Chief of Staff Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, lauded Fashola’s commitment to addressing emerging challenges with accurate data and rigorous analysis.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of evidence-based discourse in governance, urging leaders to rely on data for decision-making.
He said that it was heartwarming that the former Lagos State Governor had set out to address the challenges with inaccurate data, facts, and figures in the book.
President Tinubu disclosed that the former Minister, in his usual style, had approached the assignment with abundant scholarly rigour, with a wealth of experience and patriotism toward a critical matter that was long ignored.
He further stated that the enlightenment of the citizens should be based on the truth, adding that we now live in a world where some say we are in a “post-truth” era where nothing is real.
President Tinubu insists that those in leadership positions have obligations to engage in evidence-based discourse and rely on data in decision-making.
Meanwhile, the publisher, Babatunde Fashola advocated for reforms in housing policy, calling for a shift from yearly rent payments to more convenient arrangements.
Fashola reiterated calls for a reversal in the demand for yearly payment of house rents to a more convenient arrangement for the people.
He thanked the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, and his colleagues for signing the House Rent law in the state.
Fashola urged Speakers of other state Houses of Assembly to work together to establish a unified House Rent law nationwide.
Making reference to the minimum wage committee recently set up, the former Minister declared that it was only when we realized the difference between wages and salary that the controversy could be laid to rest.
According to him, the book was intended to provoke serious conversation about the country, and readers will find every bit of it in the book.
Fashola, who thanked family members and friends for their sacrifices for him to render service to the nation, said the book reflects the output of his twenty-one years in public service.
The former Minister noted that he was glad to share his experience of a self-inflicted literary adventure, adding that he was happy to join the league of publishers in the country and globally.
Prof. Anthony Kila highlighted the need for public education to combat speculation, while reviewer Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje noted Fashola’s emphasis on the lack of contextual understanding and quality data in addressing socio-economic issues.
Quramo Publishing, represented by Gbemi Sasore, expressed pride in publishing Fashola’s work, which addresses various national subjects.
Dignitaries including state deputy governors, former governors, and traditional rulers attended the event.
Fashola’s book is available for purchase on various platforms including Amazon and Konga.
