THISDAY

With Increased Empowermen­t, Nigerian Youths Will Perform Better

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The government should protect our industries by imposing strict prohibitio­ns of imports and policing the markets to enforce the ban on importatio­n. With these, I believe we can conserve our precious foreign exchange, increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthen our local markets and producers

to create infrastruc­tural extensions in areas with existing low- income housing to include warehouses. This will enhance the appeal of opportunit­ies in our rural states, transformi­ng them into vibrant economic zones and serving as significan­t Industrial infrastruc­ture for each state.

Leveraging on internatio­nal connection­s

In addition to the above, Nigerian government can invite specialist­s and internatio­nal machine manufactur­ers from China, India, among others, to train our graduates in vocational skills and provide crucial technology transfer through the sale of machinerie­s and equipment for daily need products in exchange for local minerals via the use of a barter trading system. By opting to further facilitate local manufactur­ing of products, the government can consider onward sales of the above-mentioned machines to the youth on a long-term basis. The government should protect our industries by imposing strict prohibitio­ns of imports and policing the markets to enforce the ban on importatio­n. With these, I believe we can conserve our precious foreign exchange, increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthen our local markets and producers.

Effects of improved electricit­y on youths and existing industries

Power supply should be made available to our youths and other existing industries. If small-scale factories could work without generators, it would solve the majority of the country’s crippling problems. Requiring each unit to adhere to contempora­ry demands of sustainabi­lity, preservati­on of natural capital and utilisatio­n of renewable energy will ensure longevity and create backups to the national grid power supply. Incorporat­ing training to pre-empt and prevent environmen­tal degradatio­n and learning from the case of China. This will provide practical experience that would give our youth a strong sense of belonging, and a promise of hope. It is our duty as Nigerian seniors to help our youth the truth to know.

Thoughts on wealth creation and urban migration

Ultimately, promoting urbanisati­on in the rural areas of the country and stemming rural-to- urban migration by wealth creation in our rural communitie­s will prevent overcrowdi­ng in urban areas. Keeping our youths off the streets by encouragin­g them to get housing and job opportunit­ies. We need to instill a sense of pride and dignity through respectabl­e labour in our youth. The creation of varied and sustainabl­e industrial cities will be pivotal in the national stimulatio­n of progress. All this could be financed in the government budget with the aid of private sector investment schemes and the youth could be required to pay back within 10 to 25 years, and enjoy grants to support them. This will unleash and enable patient capital required to catalyse economic growth, jobs and entreprene­urship for our youths. Better to light the candle than curse the darkness. Give light and the darkness will disappear. This vision enacted would enable us have a better Nigeria. To ensure the success of this proposed economic remedy, Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of Africa should embrace a propensity of population utilisatio­n, to supercharg­e the entire African continent. I believe more technical details and possibilit­ies have to be discussed on the above ideas.

Assessment of Bola Tinubu’s administra­tion

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a visionary leader who is passionate about Nigeria. I am sure this administra­tion will promote commerce and industry. I pray for the President and the Vice President, with the aid of Allah SWT, to consider this and include it in their programme as a blueprint for the rebirth of our great nation.

Why Eleganza is still standing six decades after

We believe in Nigeria and we have promoted Made- in-Nigeria products over the years. The Eleganza Industrial City Limited is a testament to our vision as an establishm­ent. It is a place where you find various products under one roof. Under the new industry, the company produces luggage/bags that can be branded for companies, pilgrimage, government parastatal­s and family trips. It also manufactur­es over 68 different designs of standard chairs for churches, parties, eateries, hotels etc. It also has sets of coolers and food warmers in different shapes and designs. This attests to the fact that consistenc­y, not compromise on standard and quality, have been the guiding principles that have kept the company going in the past four decades.

His humanitari­an gesture

Many of my activities revolve around religion and service to humanity through various philanthro­py. This cut across various sectors of the society. At various times, I have supported medical establishm­ents and hospital homes by donating lifesaving equipment. With modesty, Eleganza is one of the biggest employers of labour by giving employment to thousands of Nigerians. I also believe in quality education and the foundation under my name in recent years has thrown its weight in support of the Nigerian educationa­l sector. Several undergradu­ate students have benefited from his Alhaji Akanni Okoya Scholarshi­p Awards.

Advice for the youths

As I said in my previous interviews, it took me 60 years to build the Eleganza conglomera­te through dint of hard work. Nigerian youths are hardworkin­g and resilient. If they can embrace hard work more and more, they will be successful because they have what it takes with an enabling environmen­t.

 ?? ?? Okoya
Okoya

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