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Philanthropist, Osahon Okunbo has urged President Bola Tinubu to tackle unemployment among youths and create wealth through entrepreneurship or start-ups, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1 on ending poverty.
Data shows about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest country in Africa. As this demographic continues to grow, so too does the demand for consumer goods, services and retail offerings.
With inflation currently at 24 per cent and unemployment rate among youths at 54 per cent, Okunbo, who is also the Managing Director of oil and gas services firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd; said drastic action must be taken in order to salvage the situation.
He added this unpleasant development has compelled many youths to go into vices like cultism and armed robbery.
Others, he said have joined the “japa” bandwagon in search of greener pastures abroad, leading to unending brain drain issues.
Okunbo said it was imperative for government to provide necessary infrastructure that would enhance the growth of entrepreneurship and create sustainable wealth.
He made specific reference to the US, Germany and China where entrepreneurship has revolutionized the economy.
Specifically in Germany, some 300,000 entrepreneurs take the plunge into self-employment each year. Start-ups are of vast significance for the economy: not only do they create new jobs, they also drive competitiveness and innovation in a social market economy.
Similarly, China has grown to become the world’s second largest economy in merely three decades and entrepreneurship has been identified as a key driver of China’s fast growth.
Speaking at the 2nd year remembrance of his late father, Capt. Idahosa Wells Okunbo in Abuja recently, Osahon noted: “We are here to celebrate the great impacts of a man whose life continues to speak volumes till today. Not only are we celebrating a life well lived, but we are also setting the stage for continuity, to ensure that the vision of this great hero is sustained.”
Quoting Richelle Goodrich, he added: “You are here to make a difference, to either improve the world or worsen it. And whether or not you consciously choose to, you will accomplish one or the other,”
He described his father Idahosa, “as a man on a mission; every moment had to count for something- whether he was spending time with his family, reviewing business opportunities, or designing practical systems and solutions for adding value to the lives of others, within and outside the country.
“His legacy of impact will always be felt and celebrated. Long after today’s event is over, it is my deepest desire that your hearts will be ignited with the vision of impact and lasting change. I hope the core values of service, sacrifice, and significance, which my father boldly embodied, will linger in your hearts and spur you on, as you journey through life purposefully.”
