The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for the diversification of the nation’s economy just as he said that Nigeria’s economy would be sustainable if attention is shifted from oil to the non oil sector.
Speaking at the 6th Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 74th Posthumous Birthday, organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan held this Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo state,, governor Abiodun said that the nation could achieve this by diversifying into mineral resources, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and technology.
He noted that the world is gradually moving away from the fossil fuel, which, according to him, necesitate the need for the country to begin to look inward for other sources of revenue.
Acknowledging that the nation is blessed with an abundance of over 40 commercially viable mineral natural resources, the governor stated that experts report has it that the nation’s solid mineral deposits are valued at over $1 Trillion dollars with some estimates as high as $5 trillion.
Describing the theme of the roundtable, “Re-engineering Nigeria For Sustainable Development: Options, Costs and Prospects as apt, governor Abiodun emphasised that factors like youth engagement, collaboration with international organizations and neighbouring countries, embracing technological advancement and fostering innovation could accelerate economic diversification and growth
The man at the helm of affair at the gateway state maintained that re-engineering Nigeria for sustainable development is an intricate and multifaceted endeavour, expressing optimism that the nation’s abundant resources and youthful population provide the needed solid foundation, but addressing challenges such as infrastructure deficits, and economic diversification was imperative.
He described Senator Ajimobi as quintessential, kind, gifted, and an exceptional communicator who, through hard work, attained early success in the oil and gas industry and emerged as a developmental political juggernaut in the country worthy of emulation
In his keynote address, the Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, attributed the nation’s problems to leadership and followership issues, noting that if these problems are tacked seriously, Nigeria will be a great nation
The minister who expressed regret that many multi-nationals are pulling out of the country because of high cost of doing business, said it was high time for the nation to focus on education, youth development, technical training, while the health and power sector should be revitalized to attract more investment to the nation for more employment and revenue generation
