Stakeholders drawn from the private and public sectors have stressed the need for collaboration among key players to revolutionise the Nigerian economy.
Among those who canvassed a new approach to economic development are the minister of women affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, the controller-general of Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, president of African Legacy International, Engr. Innocent Ogu and the national chairman of the Association of Nigerian Inventors, Dr Laurence Ani.
They spoke on Monday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Industrial and Commercial Expo and G2B event organised by African Legacy International Media Service and Zhengyuan Yuqi Trading Company, China under the patronage of the Federal Ministries of Women Affairs and Transportation.
Kennedy-Ohaneye, who was represented by Abigail Favour Mba, applauded the organisers of the expo, saying it would encourage youths to acquire skills to make them better Nigerians.
She urged the organisers to partner with the ministry because the programme would benefit women and girls.
In his address, president of African Legacy International, Engr Innocent Ogu, stressed the need for collaboration between the stakeholders and governments at all levels to revolutionise the country’s economy.
Ogu said the event was aimed at driving economic growth and development through manufacturing and commercialisation, agro-bio, natural and eco-friendly products among others in the country.
Speaking on the theme of the exhibition: “Industrialisation and Commercialisation as major gateways for Nigerian Economic Growth”, he said, it was planned to support Nigerian importers, retailers, distributors, exporters and private labels in the country.
Ogu said, “One of the important factors at this event is the excitement shown by the Nigeria Correctional and Prison Services. The event will enable the public to know that the NCoS is supporting economic growth through agriculture by prison inmates.”
In a goodwill message, Nababa, who was represented by assistant controller in charge of agriculture, Charles Nkem Ogwude, said considering the issues of health, hunger and starvation among other challenges in the country as a result of climate change, it is apt for stakeholders to fashion out ways to drive economic growth and development of Nigeria.
Nababa said, “As part of our mandate at the Nigerian Correctional Services, to contribute towards the nation’s efforts at attaining self-sufficiency in food production, renewed efforts are in place to enhance inmates’ training on modern farm techniques/methods in crop production and animal husbandry.”
The CG said the Agriculture Unit of the NCoS was set up to train inmates as a method of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration to enable them to be productive upon discharge and to generate revenue for the federal government.
Also, Dr Ani advised the federal government to introduce skills studies for students so that they won’t be job seekers after graduation.
Ani said, “What you learn will sell you. When you acquire good skills, people will look for you.
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