The Renewed Hope Global Virtual Town Hall Conference continued its tradition of impactful national engagement yesterday with another successful session, featuring the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, as the special guest.

The well-attended virtual forum, which has grown in reach and credibility across Nigeria and the diaspora, provided a platform for Dr. Fasua to deliver a comprehensive economic update on the state of the nation. With clarity and precision, he broke down complex financial data and policy decisions, offering participants a deeper understanding of the current administration’s economic direction.

Dr. Fasua highlighted that President Tinubu’s economic strategy has focused on long-term national interests rather than short-term political gains. He addressed key reforms, including the much-debated removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the Naira exchange rate, which he explained was aimed at curbing arbitrage that had benefited a select few at the expense of the majority.

According to Dr. Fasua, Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus in five consecutive quarters, totalling about N16 trillion, and for the first time in eight years, the nation’s balance of payments posted a $6 billion surplus in one year, citing a Central Bank report.

He further revealed that Nigeria’s gross reserves have increased to $40.19 billion, while net reserves climbed from $3 billion in 2023 to $23 billion. These reforms, though initially painful, are beginning to yield results, with inflation falling to 23.18% and a projected GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024.

The petroleum sector reform, particularly the removal of subsidies, has improved liquidity at the grassroots, with significantly higher FAAC allocations to state and local governments. As a result, states’ debts have decreased by 32% this year, and some states are now exporting goods to neighbouring African countries.

Dr. Fasua emphasised the importance of resilience and optimism, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to avoid misinformation and negative narratives. He praised the Nigerian diaspora for their continued financial contributions and encouraged citizens to remain committed to national development.

The session was followed closely by top officials of the Presidency from the Villa conference room, affirming the administration’s commitment to citizen engagement through this weekly platform.

Ambassador Joseph Kolawole Adebola, Chairman and Chief Host of the conference, reiterated the vision of the Renewed Hope Virtual Town Hall — to inform, inspire, and influence positive discourse about Nigeria. “We are not only addressing misinformation,” he stated, “we are shaping the future, reinforcing values, and igniting the spirit of unity through our diversity.”

Participants were encouraged to come prepared for future sessions with innovative ideas and suggestions, as the government remains open to fresh perspectives for national progress.

The feedback following the conference was overwhelmingly positive. Mr. Luqman Haruna praised it as an “Excellent Presentation,” while Mustapha Oyebisi commended the “wonderful conversations.” The Executive Director of OGP-Africa described the forum as “enriching and informative,” and Engr. Patrick Obidoyin from Manchester expressed gratitude to the organisers for a “great conference.”

The organisers expressed deep appreciation to their media partners — BEN TV UK (led by CEO Alistair Soyode), The Reflectors Newspaper (Nigeria), and Parrot Reporters Media Limited (South Africa) — for their continued support in amplifying the message of Renewed Hope.

Citizens worldwide were encouraged to stay connected via the initiative’s growing digital platforms:

YouTube: RHGVTHC

TikTok: @rhgvthc

Instagram: @rhgvthc

With next week’s VVIP guest soon to be announced, organisers invite all Nigerians to remain actively engaged and help share the vision of a greater Nigeria.

“We have no other country. Everyone MUST contribute to making Nigeria great again,” the conference concluded.