An Osun-based Civil Society, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has expressed concern over worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, urging all tiers of government to take urgent and practical measures to ease the burden on citizens.

The Society made its position known during its April 2026 State of the State Address, delivered by its Executive Director, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, noting that current socio-economic realities have made survival increasingly difficult for many Nigerians, despite government claims of macroeconomic improvements.

According to the group, rising food inflation, driven in part by insecurity in key agricultural regions alongside high fuel costs, has pushed the prices of basic commodities beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

“We are using this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to immediately look at ways to make life easier for the average Nigerian. We must consider ways to immediately lower the is cost of fuel and holistically address insecurity challenges that continue to cripple and distrupt our food supply channels,” the group stated.

TOM also called on state governments to be more proactive, stressing that sub-national authorities have a critical role to play in improving citizens’ welfare.

“States as federating units have huge roles to play in easing the affairs of citizens, but they are clearly not doing enough. Osun, in particular, must move beyond being just a procurement office to becoming real problem solvers that develop policies with direct impact on the people,” it added.

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On the forthcoming governorship election in the state, the society condemned rising political intolerance, citing a recent clash involving supporters of the Action Congress, AC, and the All Progressives Congress, APC. It warned that such incidents could escalate if not addressed promptly.

“In this season of campaigns for the 2026 governorship election, we call on all political actors to respect the choices of other political actors and go about their campaigns peacefully, with development as the central focus,” the society said.

TOM further demanded clarity on the lingering dispute between the Osun State Government and its audit consultant, Sally Tibbot, insisting that citizens deserve transparency regarding the audit process.

“Osun people deserve to know what has become of the audit process, the allegations of corruption against the state government, and any resolutions that may have been reached. Resources expended on the audit process and all the follow-up actions belong to the people of the State, and we deserve to know the situation of things,” it stated.

While urging political leaders to rein in their supporters, the society emphasised that violence, intimidation, and cyberbullying have no place in a democratic society.

TOM also described the recent opposition parties’ summit held in Ibadan as a positive step for democratic development, but criticised some inciting remarks made at the event. The group cautioned against rhetoric capable of eroding public trust in democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.