Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, declared that Nigeria’s private sector holds the key to unlocking the nation’s full potential.
Speaking at the 6th Sen. Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) event, Shettima acknowledged the government’s limitations, saying, “We all know that government has many things to deal with… yet there are limited resources.” This, he noted, is where the private sector must step in as a crucial partner for “rapid development.”
The event, themed “Re-Engineering Nigeria For Sustainable Development: Options, Costs and Prospects,” brought together prominent figures to brainstorm solutions for Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
Prof. Isaac Albert, the keynote speaker, delivered a stark message: “Nigeria could be ranked among the best in the world, but this will only happen if there is the political will to revive it by its leaders.”
Albert’s call for strong leadership resonated throughout the event. He lamented the “failure of past administrations” to deliver on the promises of democracy, leaving Nigerians yearning for progress.
However, he offered a glimmer of hope with the recent emergence of President Bola Tinubu, saying “Nigerians were initially suspicious… but some of the steps taken by his administration are turning things around positively.”
He urged Nigerians to “give President Tinubu time to build the nation.”
The SAAF President, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, echoed the theme of collaboration. She highlighted the foundation’s unwavering belief in partnering for “good governance and accelerated development.”
She stressed the impact of past events, stating that “stakeholders have taken realistic steps in response to the conclusions.”
This dedication to progress was evident in the late Sen. Ajimobi’s vision, as Mrs. Ajimobi described his “passionate interest in propelling and promoting good governance.”
The event also tackled critical issues like resource control, with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, urging the Federal Government to “remove natural resources from the exclusive list to concurrent list.” This, they argued, would empower states to reap greater benefits from their resources.
Beyond individual points, the event delivered a powerful message about priorities for Nigeria’s future. Education, health, and youth empowerment emerged as recurring themes, with Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu saying, “Nigeria needs to invest in these areas to foster the country’s development.”
NAN
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