We are committed to creating jobs for youths, others, says Buhari

PR E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating more jobs, with focus on enabling the private sector, targeting more youth population by streamlining priority on agriculture, arts, entertainment, mining and Information Technology.

At a meeting with the participants in Senior Executive Course 42 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies at the State House, the President said the focus of the group’s research for the year, “Population Growth and Human Capital Development: Challenges and Opportunities’’, was most appropriate in timing, and the recommendations would be fully considered.

“I have no doubt that you have evaluated the theme given to you. I can assure you that many of your recommendations would be considered to further enhance human capital development in the country.

“Our administration is committed to diligently pursuing investments in people, especially in our youths as well as most vulnerable and poorest members of society. We will study and explore the creative and innovative recommendations in your report and direct implementations as soon as possible,’’ Buhari said.

The President told the participants that his administration had made tremendous efforts at diversifying the economy and reducing heavy dependence on the oil sector for government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.

“We are refocusing the economy on agriculture, agro- processing, arts, entertainment, mining, manufacturing, information technology and labour intensive industries to generate millions of jobs for our teeming youths and able- bodied Nigerians, while gradually integrating the nation’s economy into the global economy.

“This administration developed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan for 2017– 2020, which focused on economic diversification and stabilization, making the business environment more competitive, as well as achieving macroeconomic stability by means of fiscal stimulus and improving the balance of external trades.