Criterion tasks Tinubu on job creation, skill acquisition
THE Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and professionals, has urged Presidentbola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise job creation and youth capacity building to stop brain drain threatening the economy. During the annual seminar, Ameerah of The Criterion, Lagos State unit, Alhajamorenike Muse Saba, said the seminar’s focus on the global political climate, citing the Palestinian genocide as an example of leadership failure.
“We witness acts of genocide occurring everywhere, yet there seems to be a lack of discussion about it. The leaders are failing to fulfil their designated responsibilities, and citizens have in turn, chosen to deviate from the rules that the leaders have put in place.”, she said.
She urged the government to fulfil its basic duties towards its citizens.
“To avert chaos, governments must prioritise job creation, provide essential infrastructure, and empower aspiring entrepreneurs to flourish.
“Criterion believes in the power of women and children to drive positive change.
We will continue to support and empower them to reach their full potential.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission ( LASIEC) Commissioner, Alhaji Musibauoyefeso, called for the ministry’s complete overhaul, emphasising the need for employment generation and capacity building instead of handouts.
“We lack leadership, not followership,” Oyefeso asserted, pointing to recent scandals involving suspended Minister Betta Edu over misappropria
tion of social welfare funds. “The ongoing investigation of the minister that accused her of approving payment of N585.2 million intervention funds and diverting it into a private account of a civil servant further fuelled his argument.
“You can imagine people breaching the constitution and financial guidelines as they like. They even tamper with the money of the poorest of the poor”, Oyefeso, the Aare Musulumi of Ijebuland, said. He argued that the ministry’s current focus on handouts fuels dependency and ignores
the fundamental need for sustainable jobs and skills development.
“What people need is a ministry that will create jobs and build the capacity of youths, discouraging the so- called ‘ JAPA’ syndrome [ a trend of young Nigerians emigrating] and giving Nigerians a better life,” he stated.
Guest speaker, Hon. Tasir Wale Raji, drew parallels from the Qur’an, highlighting exemplary leaders like Prophet Muhammad ( SAW) and emphasising the responsibilities entrusted to those in positions of authority.