Written By Nduka Anyanwu
ABUJA: In his opinion the National Chairman of APGA,Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa emphasized that once the people are transformed and united, they must be mobilized.
He pointed out that passion without productivity only leads to frustration.
The key question he posed was: How do we turn individual transformation into meaningful national economic expansion?
He outlined several critical steps: These include but not limited to:
Identifying Growth Sectors
He stated that every nation has natural strengths—sectors that, if harnessed properly, can drive employment, wealth, and development.
These are the engines of economic growth. For developing nations, he identified key sectors such as:
Creative Arts & Media: Beyond entertainment, it promotes cultural exports and influence.
Agriculture: Moving beyond farming to processing, packaging, and exports.
Technology & Innovation: From fintech to health tech, solving societal problems digitally.
Real Estate & Infrastructure: Building the physical foundation for future growth.
Education & Skills: Developing a knowledge economy through targeted training.
Energy & Green Solutions: Powering progress sustainably.
He emphasized that intentional investment, policy alignment, and private sector collaboration are vital to unlocking each sector’s full potential.
Unleashing Entrepreneurship
He highlighted that entrepreneurs are the true architects of economic growth—problem-solvers who create jobs and generate wealth.
To foster entrepreneurship, he advised:
Removing barriers to starting and expanding businesses.
Facilitating access to credit, mentorship, and markets.
Implementing tax policies that encourage reinvestment.
Inspiring youth to innovate rather than imitate.
He pointed out that if one million small businesses each employ just two people, that alone creates two million jobs. He concluded that entrepreneurship is the grassroots engine of sustainable development.
Investing in Infrastructure
He stressed that no economy can thrive without robust infrastructure—roads, rail, power, ports, and digital networks—these are the vital arteries that connect producers to markets.
He urged that governments should:
Prioritize infrastructure projects that enable commerce rather than political gains.
Partner with the private sector for construction and maintenance.
Ensure transparency and quality in execution.
He illustrated this by noting that every road built connects farmers to markets, and every megawatt of power energizes industries.
Building Human Capital
He pointed out that a nation’s greatest asset is its people. Raw talent alone is not enough; the people must be trained, mentored, and equipped. This involves:
Providing education focused on problem-solving and innovation.
Offering vocational training aligned with national needs.
Embedding soft skills—ethics, teamwork, communication—in curricula.
He emphasized that a skilled, educated workforce is the fuel for any thriving economy.
Strengthening Institutions
He stated that economic growth does not thrive in chaos but flourishes where institutions uphold order. Strong institutions ensure:
Contracts are honored and laws are enforced.
Rights are protected and corruption is punished.
Policies persist beyond political changes.
He stressed that building effective institutions encourages investment and enterprise.
Promoting Local Production and Global Trade
He argued that a productive nation must produce what it consumes and export what it excels at. Strategies include:
Supporting local manufacturers through infrastructure and incentives.
Reducing dependence on imports that undermine domestic industries.
Creating trade policies that open new markets.
He urged that every region should contribute to a value chain that feeds the economy and positions the nation competitively on the global stage.
In conclusion, he called for a deliberate ecosystem—people with the right mindset, institutions that uphold order, policies that reward productivity, and systems that turn ideas into income.
He urged this generation not only to dream of a better nation but to commit to building it. The resources are available; the time is now. Together, he said, we can turn aspiration into achievement.
Mr. Nduka Anyanwu, Special Adviser Media To APGA National Chairman
Comments
Post a Comment