Think Positive for 2026, Ex-Kogi Speaker Tells Nigerians, Foresees Economic Breakthrough
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
Rt. Honourable Umar Ahmed Imam, former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, has urged Nigerians to adopt a positive mindset as they journey into the New Year 2026.
Alhaji Imam gave this charge during an exclusive interview with newsmen in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Reflecting on the outgoing year, the former Speaker described 2025 as a mixed bag of fortunes and misfortunes, advising residents to draw vital lessons from past challenges.
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He stressed the need for people to devise strategies for adjustment or complete turnaround where necessary, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Imam noted that 2025, though tough, marked an improvement over the hardships of 2024.
He projected optimism for 2026, attributing it to the proactive policies rolled out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he believes will bring much-needed relief to citizens.
According to the ex-Speaker, early signs of economic recovery are already evident, with foodstuffs becoming more affordable and easing the burden of daily living for many families.
This positive shift, he added, signals brighter days ahead if sustained.
However, Imam cautioned Nigerians to prepare for impending changes, particularly the rollout of the new tax policy.
He acknowledged that the policy might initially seem harsh but insisted it is essential for national progress, drawing parallels with taxation systems in Western countries.
The former Assembly Speaker described taxation as the people’s bargaining power, a tool to hold government accountable and compel it to deliver on its electoral promises.
“By paying taxes diligently, citizens can demand transparency and effective service delivery, he emphasized.”
Imam also voiced hope that grey areas in the recent tax controversy, stemming from discrepancies between the harmonized passed laws and their gazetted versions, would be swiftly addressed by relevant authorities.
This, he said, would restore public confidence in the reform process.
The former Speaker called for stronger collaborations among stakeholders to combat the rising tide of kidnappings and other security breaches plaguing the state. With unity and vigilance, he assured, Kogi can overcome these challenges and usher in a safer 2026.
