Sen. Rilwan Akanbi (APC-Oyo South) has said that the 2016 national budget passed by the Senate would ensure rapid economic growth.

Akanbi gave the assurance on Saturday during a town hall meeting he held with Owala, Temidire, Isokan, Akataapa and Ekerin communities at Owala playing ground, Ologuneru in Ibadan.

He urged the people to be patient with and support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the nation's dwindling economy would soon be revived.

“The last administration mismanaged so much of our resources not minding the future of the country.

“The president had since the inception of his administration being confronted with transforming the economy.

“He has shown more commitment to rejuvenating the economy and Nigerians would soon smile. I implore you all to give him maximum support in achieving this.”

Akanbi, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, exonerated the president from allegation of being one-sided in his fight against corruption.

He said that the list of corrupt persons was devoid of ethnic, class and political influence and urged the people to assist the EFCC with useful information on corrupt practices.

“I can tell you authoritatively that Buhari is more Nigerian than being an APC member.”

Akanbi said that the local content bill before the senate would ensure that Nigerians are engaged in the execution projects, while people without expertise would be engaged and trained for the job.

He said that the functions of lawmakers were not to execute projects but to serve as mouth piece of their various constituencies.

“Any public office holder, who rose to a position on the people’s mandate and run away from them, will definitely run back to them at the end.

“You people deserve the best from government and that I will always be committed to. I won’t relent in building human capacities, empowering the people and convey your needs to the executive.”

Earlier, Mr Taiwo Adewuyi, the Interim Chairman, Owala community had commended Akanbi for assisting the community.

He noted that the senator assisted the community in the construction of Owala bridge and rehabilitation of the road in 2015 before he was elected senator.

Adewuyi listed the needs of the communities to include: provision of scholarship for students, establishment of computer training centre and standard library, job opportunities for the unemployed and empowerment for women. (NAN)

•Photo shows Senator Rilwan Akanbi.