PETER OBI: YOUTHS, TAKE BACK YOUR COUNTRY.
PETER OBI: YOUTHS, TAKE BACK YOUR COUNTRY
The former governor of Anambra state, Mr Peter Obi has sent
out a message to young Nigerians to take back their country in order to change
the narrative of Nigerian politics.
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| Peter Obi speaking at NAPE 2017 |
This statement was made at the convention luncheon of the Nigerian
Association of Petroleum Explorationists on Tuesday, 21st of November
2017 at the EKO hotels in Lagos.
Peter obi, who was the guest speaker alongside Dr. Kayode
Fayemi at the event, spoke on changes in the global oil price and impact on
Nigeria Economy. He said that statistical evidence proof that Nigeria operates
an Oil dependent economy which would definitely run into problems once the
sector experience global pricing issues. This is due to the fact that the Oil
and Gas Sector (especially Petroleum exports) are the major contribution to Nigeria
GDP.
He however attributed this problems to economic
mismanagement by the government as the Country barely saves but spends, thereby
resulting in low Foreign Reserves and High Inflation.
“The bailer may soon need a bail out” Mr. Obi,
good-humoredly quoted, citing that the FG which is doling out bail out
funds to States may be at risk of grasping at bailout funds itself, what with a
reserve of only 30 Billion Dollars compared to other oil producing countries
(India:$102B, turkey: $100B). He mentioned that the Paris refunds should have
gone into our Foreign Reserves as well.
According to Mr. Peter Obi, this can only be done if
Nigerians discontinue the practice of letting mediocrity win at elections due
to provision of stomach infrastructure and encourage political drivers that can
provide good leadership. He concluded by urging the youths to get involved in
restoring Nigeria’s glory, advancing this wagon with firm belief in the
country’s prosperous future.
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| Dr. Fayemi speaking at NAPE Conference 2017 |
Also speaking at the event was the Minister of Solid
Minerals Development, Dr. kayode Fayemi who spoke on the theme “Exploration of
Nigeria’s Mineral Resources, Building Hope for Economic Diversification”
counteracted Mr. Obi saying Nigeria’s dependence on oil is unsustainable and
vulnerable and that is why the present administration of President Muhammadu
Buhari insists on cultivating multiple sources of revenue growth.
Conversely, Dr. Fayemi said that diversification must be a
long term perspective which will work alongside enablers such as development in
the Infrastructural, Trade, Transportation Energy and Power Industries. He said
the challenge to the roadmaps to a diversified economy often arise due to
electoral circumstances like change of government. This can however be
corrected through patriotism of citizens as well as imbibing the political will
to do the right thing.
He revealed that most of the resources in the country are
still untapped due to low allocation of funds for exploration as well as under-participation
by private investors.
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| Dr. Fayemi & Mr. Peter Obi presented plaques of honor by NAPE |
The Nigerian association
of petroleum Explorationists is the largest professional association of
petroleum geologists and related disciplines in Nigeria and Africa. It’s 35th
annual international conference and exhibitions is currently ongoing at the Eko
Hotel and Suites in Lagos and it is to run till the 23rd of November
2017. It features a wide range of activities such as the NAPE’s Young
Professional Leadership Forum and fellowship Awards among others.
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