Yoruba summit hinges Nigeria’s survival on strong economic plan, infrastructure

AN assembly of Yoruba Leaders of Thought under the aegis of Yoruba Summit, has implored the Federal Government to embark on comprehensive economic plan to salvage the nation from its numerous woes.

This exhortation was made yesterday in Akure by the various socio-cultural groups of the Yoruba, specifying a reform to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, reinvigorate the economy and create more employment opportunities.

The group consists of the Yoruba Council of Elders, (YCE), Afenifere, Oodua Foundation, Oodua Peoples Congress, Agbekoya among others.

They urged the Federal Government to raise the standard of education, provide affordable healthcare and review monetary policies to protect the interests of the local and international investors.

The summit noted that the economy has collapsed due to the sharp decline in oil revenue, which necessarily requires the diversification of the economy in order to create new channels of prosperity.

However, they affirmed that this might not be possible without changing the 1999 Constitution because it prevents the federating units from exploring the resources under their soils.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by notable leaders like the chairman of the summit, Dr. Kunle Olajide, the Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Rt. Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, the Afenifere Chairman, Chief Ruben Fasoranti, the OPC leader, Gani Adams, YCE chairman, General Adeyinka Adebayo, among others said:

“The summit calls for the meeting of Yoruba states’ governors with leaders of the nation to fashion out an agenda for cooperation that would leverage on the economic strength of each of the state to create a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneurs to tap into the resources across states that could empower our people to float businesses that can engaged our million of unemployed youth.

“They are enjoined to pay particular attention to small and medium scale enterprises, and tourism potentials of the region in creating jobs,” the communique read in part.

The leaders also observed the protracted agitation by the indigenous people of Biafra for a republic and urged true federal government to critically look into the causes behind separatist feelings.

Moreover, the summit insisted that the Federal Government must initiate constitutional reforms to give a sense of belonging to all the constituent units of the country.

The Yoruba ideological leaders called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report saying the report will provide solutions to many of the challenges facing the country.

Ondo state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in his remarks said for Nigeria to make a quantum leap in economic development and meet up with the rest of the world, the country must be restructured.