We're Relentless in Making Recession Temporary Experience, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government was making relentless efforts to make the hardship caused by economic recession in the country temporary.
The president, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Adamu Rasheed, said this at the 42nd convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, yesterday.
According to him, government had put necessary measures in place but that it also needed the cooperation of Nigerians.
He said, "There is no gainsaying that we live in challenging times. Nigeria is not exempted from the political, security and economic upheavals going on worldwide.
"We have been making good progress, particularly on security issues, and we are relentless in our efforts to ensure that this economic recession is a very temporary experience in our national life. I am firmly convinced that with the measures being put in place and the cooperation of all Nigerians, it will soon be a thing of the past.
"This administration is committed to ensuring that as a nation, we are self-sufficient in food and thereof no longer dependent on food importation by 2019. Foreign exchange saved in the process will be channeled into reviving our industries, enhancing the hydrology and ecology of the Lake Chad Basin, improving our power generation and distribution infrastructure and completing all the abandoned rural electrification projects nationwide, among other things."
He expressed concern at the growing rate of unemployment in the country, advising youths to develop entrepreneurial skills.
He said, "In September 2016, our unemployment rate reached a high value of 17.9 per cent as compared to 9.9 per cent the previous year.
I intend to remind you that although this administration is doing its best to provide jobs for the teeming population of Nigerian youths, our efforts still need to be complemented by the private sector. We have been bringing on board several entrepreneurship initiatives that create an enabling environment for job creators not only to thrive, but also excel.
"Promotion of local products, encouragement of export markets, tapping of indigenous raw materials, etc., are some of the avenues for this to operate. As fresh graduates with multitude of invigorating ideas, you are encouraged to forward your proposals under the appropriate parastatals and agencies."
He explained that government had directed the National Universities Commission to chart a new course for curriculum development and review in the Nigerian University System.