An Islamic body, the Association of Men in Business and the Professions (The Companion), has advised Nigerian governments at all levels on the bothersome socioeconomic woes.
It highlighted the country’s present rating by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and some international agencies that placed the nation in the 70.7 per cent multi-dimensionally poor bracket as a reason for the call.
The Companion, at the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State, advised the Nigerian government to prioritise the welfare and well-being of citizens over and above all considerations in formulating public policies.
The Companion pointedly urged the government to focus more on agriculture, education, security, and medical services.
The National Amir of the group, Kamil Olalekan, said that the listed sectors deserve topmost attention if the country yearns to break the poverty chain.
Addressing the members at the just concluded three-day Biennial Elective National Conference alongside the group’s Elective conference, Olalekan recalled that: “In 2022, 63 per cent of the population were categorised as multi-dimensionally poor.”
He, however, sought adequate support and incentives for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises to flourish.
He justified the theme: “Thriving amidst adversity: strategies for survival in Nigeria’s challenging economy,”
saying: “the biting socioeconomic situation in the country inspired the topic.
“The effect of these challenges and adversities manifested in widespread poverty, to the extent that the Nigerian economy faces a multitude of adversities and challenges, including high inflation and naira depreciation, fiscal strain and rising public debt, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, widespread insecurity, and corruption among others,” he stressed.
Olalekan opined that holistically, the ravaging challenges equally present opportunities for reform and growth.
He advised: “Businesses can explore opportunities in agriculture, technology, and services, while individuals can benefit from developing new skills, embracing innovations, seeking multiple income streams, and practicing sound financial and living habits.”
Olalekan also urged government to patronise and deliberately promote Made in Nigeria goods and services to boost production and expand the economy.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Sulayman Ibrahim, linked the nation’s present situation to irresponsible successive governments and the nonchalant attitude and characters of citizenry.
He called for a rethink and total remodelling of the entire policies, coupled with adequate sensitisation and awareness towards rekindling commitment among the youths.
According to him, repackaging the “Nigeria story” as well as the national value systems would check rejections and also promote patriotism among the citizenry.
