Backs Tinubu’s reforms, UK visit gains
Speaks on APC unity, 2027 strategy
By Clifford Ndujihe
Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (Mato), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Maric Nigeria Limited and All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial aspirant for Ondo South, in this interview speaks on his ambition, the economy, party unity and 2027 prospects among others.
What are the key gains of the President Bola Tinubu’s recent UK visit?
In my view, the recent state visit to the United Kingdom should not be seen as ceremonial, but as a deliberate and strategic engagement to advance Nigeria’s economic and institutional interests. Based on available reports and expert commentary, there are already clear indications that the visit is yielding tangible benefits.
One of the most significant outcomes is the advancement of concrete economic cooperation. For instance, the agreement securing approximately £746 million in export finance for the refurbishment of Lagos and Tin Can Island ports is a major step forward. This is not abstract diplomacy; it directly impacts trade efficiency, logistics, job creation, and Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional commercial hub. When our ports function efficiently, our economy performs better.
Beyond that, the visit has strengthened Nigeria’s trade and investment relationship with the UK. It reinforces frameworks aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and expanding market access for Nigerian businesses. At a time of ongoing economic reforms, such engagements build investor confidence and signal that Nigeria is serious about recovery and growth.
There is also a broader strategic dimension. Being the first visit of its kind in decades, it sends a strong message that Nigeria is re-engaging globally at the highest level. In international relations, perception matters. When a country demonstrates stability and leadership, it enhances credibility, which often translates into partnerships and investments.
Of course, the real test lies in implementation. Agreements must translate into measurable outcomes. But from what we are seeing, this visit goes beyond symbolism and reflects a purposeful effort to position Nigeria for growth and global relevance.
How would you assess the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda so far?
An objective assessment shows bold, reform-driven leadership laying a strong foundation for long-term stability and growth.
In economic reforms, the administration has demonstrated courage, particularly in addressing the fuel subsidy regime and restructuring the foreign exchange system. These steps are restoring fiscal discipline, improving transparency, and repositioning Nigeria as a credible investment destination. We are witnessing a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a more productive one.
On social welfare, the government has combined reforms with targeted interventions to cushion vulnerable Nigerians. What is commendable is that these programmes are increasingly structured for sustainability.
Institutionally, the administration is strengthening transparency and accountability through reforms in public finance and regulation. Nigeria’s renewed global engagement also reflects growing confidence in its governance direction.
What stands out most is that this agenda is not about short-term political comfort; it is about long-term national transformation. The President has chosen the path of responsibility over populism, and that is what true leadership requires.
In my view, the Renewed Hope Agenda is already achieving its core objective: correcting structural weaknesses, rebuilding economic credibility, and setting Nigeria on a sustainable path to prosperity. As these reforms continue to mature, their full benefits will become even more evident in job creation, improved infrastructure, stronger institutions, and a better quality of life for Nigerians. Ultimately, what we are witnessing is a government that is not just managing the present, but deliberately shaping the future of Nigeria with courage, vision, and discipline.
There are concerns about divisions within APC in Ondo. What is your take?
Let me respectfully state that the narrative of division or rivalry in Ondo APC is largely overstated. The party remains one united family, built on shared values and loyalty to its vision.
What we see in public discourse is normal in a vibrant democracy. Differences in opinion should not be mistaken for conflict. In fact, they show internal dynamism.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, are respected leaders working within the same political structure. Their roles should be seen as complementary, not competitive.
Our focus remains governance and service delivery. The party has strong mechanisms for consultation and conflict resolution, ensuring unity going forward.
You came second in the 2022 APC senatorial primary for Ondo South District, what lessons have you learned, and how are you positioning yourself differently to clinch the ticket in the next contest?
Every political contest is a learning process. Coming second was not a setback but a valuable experience. It gave me deeper insight into party dynamics, grassroots expectations, and stakeholder engagement.
I learned that aspiration must go beyond popularity; it requires wider consultation and stronger consolidation across the district. Since then, I have remained consistent and committed, building relationships across all six local governments.
At the same time, I believe power comes from God. While we do the necessary political work, ultimate success is determined by Him.
Today, I am better positioned, with stronger support and wider acceptability. Without sounding immodest, I remain one of the most visible and widely accepted figures in Ondo South.
I have learned from 2022, grown from it, and strengthened my structure. By God’s grace, I am confident the APC ticket will come my way.
If elected, what practical steps will you take to improve lives?
If given the opportunity to represent Ondo South Senatorial District, my approach; beyond legislative duties, will be anchored on programmes, institutions, and measurable outcomes that directly improve the lives of our people.
My first priority is economic empowerment, particularly for our youths and emerging workforce. Through the MATO Digital Innovation Programme (MDIP), I intend to equip young people across the district with in-demand digital skills such as software development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. This is not just training for its own sake; it is about creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
Secondly, I will focus on grassroots economic inclusion through the Agro-Cooperative and Micro-Enterprise Empowerment Scheme. This will organise farmers, traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs into structured cooperatives, giving them access to inputs, training, and micro-credit. The goal is simple: to move our people from subsistence to sustainability, and from survival to prosperity.
In the area of healthcare, particularly for our elderly population, I will implement the MATO Healthcare Initiative, which is designed to provide community-based medical outreach, routine check-ups, and targeted support for low-income senior citizens. A society that does not care for its elderly cannot truly claim progress, and this initiative is about restoring dignity and support to that segment of our population.
Infrastructure development is also central to my plan. I will leverage legislative advocacy and strategic partnerships to attract and accelerate projects in roads, power, water supply, digital connectivity, and maritime development, especially in our riverine communities. At the same time, I will champion environmental justice, ensuring that impacted communities receive proper remediation and that development is both inclusive and sustainable.
Education remains a key pillar. Through bursaries and grants, I will support students from Ondo South to reduce financial barriers and invest in our future human capital. Perhaps most importantly, I will institutionalise a strong accountability and engagement framework. This includes quarterly town hall meetings across all six local government areas, public reporting of constituency projects, and continuous stakeholder engagement. For me, representation must be visible, participatory, and measurable. My commitment is to move representation from promises to programmes, from presence to performance, and from politics to measurable progress.
If given the mandate, the people of Ondo South will not just have a Senator, they will have a system of delivery, a structure of accountability, and a leadership that is present, responsive, and impact-driven.
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