The federal government has been urged to maintain its achievements in the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy and also focus more on domestic production, export and mineral resources to get Nigerians out of poverty level.
The President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Dr Omede Idris disclosed this at the presidential retreat of the association, held in Akure, Ondo state capital.
He charged government at various levels to avail professionals the opportunity for policy direction and implementation.
Dr. Idris also appealed to the federal government not to privatise the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi state arguing that all companies which were privatized in the past are no longer working.
“We encourage and plead with the National assembly especially, the House of Representatives to address the issue promptly while the Executive arm must be fair and just in tossing the path of honour,” he added.
He said rather, the government should make the steel company and others operational and in good shape to provide jobs for a great number of Nigerians roaming the streets.
From left: Surv. Olumide Adewebi, APBN’s Secretary-General; Engr. Chief Olumuyiwa Ajibola, 1st Deputy President, APBN; Dr. Omede Idris President, APBN; Representative of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyo; Prof. Mrs. Teju Somorin FCT I who was the keynote speaker; Mr. Foluso Fasoto, immediate-past President of APBN; Arc. Lanre Olusola, APBN’s Publicity Secretary; Hajia Zuwaira, APBN’s Financial Secretary and Chief Oye Akinsulire APBN’s Treasurer at the association’s Presidential Retreat in Akure, Ondo State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the APBN said with the high growth rate and other vital statistics which shows or projects Nigeria’s population at 193,392,517 in 2018 and 263,000,000 in 2030, it calls for great attention by professional and transformational leaders to plan, execute and implement state and national visions and other core value.
These visions and values, according to the association, will address employment, healthcare, quality and affordable housing, reliable electricity, quality water, good roads, peace and security.
It also expressed its readiness to partner with the National especially in the area of Executive or public-sponsored bills or amendments that bother on professionalism.
The group, which consists of experts in various fields, also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies to ensure that they deal with the various security challenges facing the country with sincerity.
“The continuous fear, sporadic and unmitigated attacks and killing of helpless and peace loving citizens without arrest and bringing the perpetrators to book is not too good,” it stated.
The association thanked Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and urged him to consider APBN on the state protocol list for the success of his administration.
Daily Trust reports that Governor Akeredolu, who was the special guest of honour at the event, was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Engr. Tunji Light Ariyo.
It will be recalled that the body was established in 1983, with membership cutting across thirty different professional groups.