By Soji Ayoola
Effective leadership is paramount to the growth and expansion of any economy. Countries that today enjoy substantial development in political and socio-economic sector didn’t achieve it overnight, it was carefully planned and executed by leaders of immense deportment, dignity and illimitable competence.
Today, the massive growth observed in the economy of the United State of America (USA) and China can be to a great extent traced to the quality possessed by leaders found in both countries. The latter, which boasts of the second largest economy in the world, transformed itself from a centrally-planned closed economy in the 1970s to a manufacturing and exporting hub over the years. Meanwhile, after fantasizing lots, it is finally time to transform the Nigerian dream into reality.
The good news is that Abubakar Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is not just capable of saving Nigeria, he can champion the reformation we have been fantasizing about. He is the right choice for Nigeria’s current situation because he has a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors. He has a clear vision for the nation’s future and the ability to implement it. Atiku understands the importance of investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economy. Nigeria experienced the highest gross domestic product (GDP) increase since its civil war ended in 1970 during his eight years (1999-2007) tenure as vice-president.
His extensive background in business and politics, unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people is unparalleled and will be a major asset to the country.
The successful business magnate recapitulated his vision and dreams for Nigeria in his publicized campaign manifesto titled ‘My Covenant With Nigerians’. As part of the plethoric commitment made to Nigerians, the PDP presidential candidate promised to tackle unemployment by allocating $10 billion to empower women and youth.
“My promise to you is that the issue of unemployment of our young men and women will be a thing of the past. That is why, in my policy document, I said we are going to allocate 10 billion US dollars to empower our young men and women with enterprises,” Atiku affirmed.
“Let me also assure you that the infrastructural deficit you are facing in this state in terms of your connectivity with other neighbouring states will be a thing of the past because we are going to make sure that we vote funding for the development of roads and railways to make sure that our transportation system is once again working”.
“Let me again reassure you that the closure of our universities because of the non-payment of salaries to the members of staff will be a thing of the past.
“I have a private university, and we have never gone on strike for one day. So if a private university cannot go on strike for one day, why should the public university? I promise you, ASUU will not go on strike, because we will pay them and fund the education sector adequately,” Atiku continued.
Also contained in his policy document is how to improve Nigeria’s manufacturing sector by way of;
• Achieving a sustained increase in manufacturing output from 9% to 30% of GDP by 2025.
• Reduce the sector’s dependence on imported raw materials.
• Achieve a diversified production structure with more processing of raw materials.
• Promoting the competitiveness of the sector Nationally and Internationally.
After identifying his policy objectives in the nation’s manufacturing sector; Atiku went further to explain how he plans to achieve the set objectives. He declared that his government would do the following;
• Ensure that all major economic and investment policies are formulated after sufficient prior consultation with the organized private sector.
• Review of import duty on raw materials that are available in the country and on imported machinery for local production.
• Work with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), chambers of commerce and other relevant stakeholders to identify ways of reducing the cost of borrowing and fight incidences of multiple taxation and
• Support and enforce the buy made-in-Nigeria idea by ensuring compliance with order from the Federal Government procurement agencies.
Nigerians will vote from next Saturday to choose their leader for 2023 and beyond. As a result, voters have been pleading with Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), via various social media platforms to ensure that this election is free, fair and inclusive.
Furthermore, Nigeria, to advance beyond its current level needs Atiku Abubakar as its next president. He possesses the knowledge, ability to see the big picture, and the dedication to bring about the improvements the Nation so desperately needs. He has the motivation and capabilities to restore the economy’s faltering prospects, combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, restore health and education sectors, and make Nigeria once more renowned and respected on a global scale.
•Ayoola, a public affairs commentator, writes from Ibadan, Oyo State