ABEOKUTA – The Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited and anti-corruption ambassador, Ambassador (Dr.) Babatunde Adeyemo, has said that corruption is “fighting back” against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration both locally and internationally, in an attempt to undermine the government’s recent economic gains.
Adeyemo, a veteran broadcast journalist turned real estate entrepreneur, stated this on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, shortly after leading a “Road Walk Against Corruption” in partnership with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The event, organised by the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC), was part of activities marking the “Zero Tolerance for Corruption in Nigeria Day.”
The road walk began at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, and passed through Kuto–Ibara–Omida–Panseke–Oke Ilewo before ending at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Okelewo, Abeokuta. The Olu of Orile Ilawo, Oba (Prof.) Alexander Macgregor, also joined the exercise.
According to Adeyemo, recent government reforms — including the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilization of the exchange rate, reduction in oil theft, and introduction of import tariffs on petroleum products — have strengthened Nigeria’s economy and made it less susceptible to manipulation by corrupt actors.
“It’s disheartening that corruption is fighting back against this administration both locally and internationally,” Adeyemo said. “The Western world and local corrupt interests are unhappy that the Naira is gaining stability and that oil theft has been curtailed. But that’s the price of progress.”
He noted that for the first time in years, Nigerians can now use their Naira debit cards abroad to make withdrawals in foreign currencies — a development he attributed to renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
“Those of us who travel frequently know how difficult it was before to access our funds abroad, even from domiciliary accounts,” he explained. “Now, you can use your Naira card overseas because banks have regained confidence in the system. That’s progress, and corruption does not like progress.”
Adeyemo lamented what he described as the “poor orientation” among some Nigerian youths, who, he said, fail to recognize the government’s reforms due to misinformation and negative narratives.
“Many of our youths should be rallying behind the government’s bold economic reforms, but instead, they are being misled,” he said. “The brain drain has taken away some of our best minds, leaving behind a generation easily swayed by social media propaganda.”
He also condemned attempts by some international groups to label Nigeria as a country engaged in “genocidal killings” against Christians, describing it as a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing the country.
“Nigeria is a peaceful country with both Muslims and Christians coexisting across regions. The claim of a government-backed genocide is false and dangerous,” Adeyemo stressed. “Yes, there are security challenges, but they are not religiously motivated.”
Adeyemo called on Nigerians — particularly the youth — to support President Tinubu’s administration, stay united, and focus on rebuilding the nation.
“At this point, what we need is proper orientation, especially among the younger generation. That’s why we’re engaging NYSC members today — to plant the seeds of integrity early,” he said.