‘Investment in youths, agriculture, way out

Two major directions by the Federal Government will determine its impact on the economy in 2012, a leading cleric and General Leader, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni O, Surulere District, Lagos Dr. Gabriel Fakeye, has said.

According to Fakeye, who spoke on the religious group’s position on the economy in Lagos on Saturday, the Federal Government needs to invest on agricultural development to end youth unemployment in the country in the New Year.

Fakeye, who stated this during a press briefing, said Nigeria needed to return to its root for development to take place. He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to give priority to the agricultural sector to provide employment for the youths.

He said, “Nigeria is like a house removed from its foundation, the collapse of such a house is inevitable. It is a pity that we moved from the initial foundation, which was based on Agriculture.”

According to him, the country must develop its human capacity to avoid importation of food products. He said that relying on other countries for food could not be the best solution to solve the problem of the masses.

“Nigerians are hungry, compared with what obtains in other nations. To boost our economy, we need to increase food production. Increasing import duty on rice to 100 [per cent cannot be a solution. Moreover, as those nations from whom we import are facing several production crises, e need to develop our own,” he said.

Specifically, he urged the Federal Government to restructure the agricultural sector to boost employment and export capacity.

“Our next agenda on the economy should be the revitalisation of our industrial sector. This will naturally serve the dual role of providing employment for our youths and also boost our export capabilities as a nation.

“The Federal Government should take drastic steps to make sure that Nigerians enjoy uninterrupted power supply, as this is the sure way to attract foreign investors and encourage local investors,” he said.

He also said the country needed to focus more on youth empowerment to secure the future of the nation and build personalities that will manage our institutions.

He said, “It is sad that this nation has over the years neglected its youths. They are the same people involved in armed robbery, terrorism, kidnapping and militancy. This has to stop and the first and most critical solution is the creation of employments for these youths.”