Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun says the challenges of youth unemployment, poverty, corruption, weak institutions and insecurity must be tackled for the country’s economy to be on a good standing.
Oyetola said collaborative effort among the states, individuals, corporate bodies and Federal Government would be required to tackle the economic challenges in Nigeria.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan, in a statement on Saturday in Osogbo, quoted Oyetola as saying this at 2019 Independence Dance of the Island Club, Lagos, where he was inducted as a member.
Oyetola, who thanked the club for honouring him, expressed dissatisfaction that after 59 years of existence, Nigeria was still struggling to get its economy right.
He, however, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as the face of integrity and good governance for his efforts at resolving some of the identified challenges, particularly the fight against corruption.
Oyetola called on eminent Nigerians, including members of the Island Club and other philanthropic Nigerians to join the government in the struggle to move Nigeria forward.
“Government at all levels must work out a synergy with the private sector to solve these key problems with a view to revamping the country’s economy.
“Nigeria, like most countries, is still struggling to get its economy right after years in the global economic trenches.
“With this struggle come the nagging and persistent issues of youth unemployment, poverty, corruption, weak institutions, and insecurity.
“We will all agree that solving most of these problems revolves substantially around fixing the economy.
“All the 36 states, corporate organisations, groups and well-meaning Nigerians need to collaborate with the federal government to massively tackle unemployment and hunger.
“There is also no doubt that if well handled, agriculture alone can mop up close to half of the unemployed youths.
“When public and corporate activities are powered by strategic thinking, planning, continuity and sustainable development will be on auto pilot and our nation will be on the path of prosperity and progress,” Oyetola said.
