West Africa College for Missionary Bishops (WACOMBS) has extended its scope of influence to the Nigeria economy sector. Rising from a round table conference on its WACOMBS National Economic Development Platform moderated by its National Chairperson, Bishop-elect Dr. Julia Fortune, the college of bishops addressed some salient issues on Nigerian economy and proffered a way towards a virile economy in the country.
Apart from WACOMS Archbishop/President, Dr. Olusegun Robert, other speakers at the virtual routable are Dr. Ukachi Wachuku, Dean, School of Languages, Alvan Ikoku, Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria and a labor activist with deep interests in the affairs of the youths, Prince Benson Adeyemi, an astute business man and entrepreneur with proven track records in initiating and successfully establishing billion dollars Joint Ventures with the government, corporate and private entities, Mrs. Florence Adekemi Adeyemo (CPA); a U.S- based accounting expert with diverse experiences and expertise working with Fortune 500 Companies and also an active politician in US and Nigeria and Dr. Olumide Oladapo Emmanuel; a world’s leading relationship expert, motivational speaker, and wealth creation agent with over three decades of transforming lives.
Other key and important participants at the round table conference are the National Chairperson of WACOMBS Economic Development Platform and moderator of the conference, Bishop-elect Dr. Julia Fortune, Bishop Samuel Kayode (who led opening prayer at the event), Bishop Alaba Olushuyi (who led the closing prayer) and Rev. Okene Okafor (who gave the vote of thanks).
Speaking on the topic, “What Nigeria must do to heal itself economically, the speakers agreed that Nigeria’s education system must be demand-driven with a view at creating more employment opportunities in the country and integrating Nigeria economy into the world economy. They said Nigeria’s education system must be adaptive, responsive and meet the education needs of her populace. The round table discussion focused on education, unemployment, housing, governance, healthcare, elder security and sanitation with a questions & answers session.
In the communique issued and given to Christian Benefits by WACOMBS Archbishop/President, Dr. Olusegun Robert, the speakers said the population explosion in Nigeria would necessitate expansion of education policies in the country, and therefore advised that Nigeria’s education system must be functional. “Our educational system must be skill-oriented. It must equip the learners to think critically and make language skills indispensable,” the communique further read.
On the issues of unemployment in Nigeria, the platform pointed that the era of oil boom economy is over in Nigeria and therefore advised the country to return to agriculture for virile economy. “Nigeria must return to the farm. Agriculture is one of the keys to fight employment. To this end the Nigerian Government is encouraging farmers by giving out loans with zero interest. The portal for Youth Investment Funds has been opened to encourage youth to partake in loans to fight unemployment. Youth are encouraged to take agriculture to fight unemployment.”
Prince Benson Adeyemi, one of the speakers spoke on different agricultural production opportunities like tomato paste factory, palm kernel processing factory, fish farming and animal farming among others that can boost Nigeria economy. He said these agriculture opportunities would create more job opportunities in the country.
On the discussion on governance at the virtual meeting that attracted a huge number of participants online, the platform observed that Nigeria has leadership issues on said “the proper kind of leadership Nigeria needs must be visionary and forward thinking. Bureaucracy is the bane of our governance. It slows down a lot in governance. Nigeria needs the right kind of people in leadership positions; and not the crop of persons we have currently in governance,” the communique finally read.
