EDITORIAL: A Worthwhile Thrust

THE initiative of the Federal Government to slash transport fares for users of inter-state travel and make the rail free during this yuletide is welcome. It echoes the initiative of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who pioneered a path-breaking on the same lines during his tenure as the governor of the State of Osun. It was a big hit and very well received. 

The scheme reflects a commitment to the social contract which binds the government with those they govern.

The social contract which is now distorted as the “dividends of democracy “ ought to be.

The Social contract is the driving force of a democracy and we are happy that it is back in vogue. Contextually, this initiative is more than a yuletide seasonal goodwill to all, it is a necessary economic stimulus. Purchasing power has been eroded because of the devaluation of the Naira and the ongoing effort to eliminate subsidies. Therefore, any shoring up or expansion of purchasing power is very much welcome. 

The government picking up part of transportation costs for an admittedly limited amount of time will allow the funds saved to be directed elsewhere. This is a very good move for greater spending will limit layoffs of workers and help hard-pressed manufacturers to survive. 

We hope to see more of pro-people policies such as this in the year ahead. The economy must be stimulated and production increased to generate more employment as well as greater revenues leading to shared prosperity.

We wish our readers a merry Christmas and a great new year ahead in good health and ever increasing prosperity.