Popular Nigerian Billionaire industrialist, Tony Elumelu has opened up on how the lack of economic hope or opportunity is pushing skilled Nigerians to seek economic opportunities overseas.
He pointed out that if Nigeria truly wants to solve its problems, it must focus on its young people in our respective states, empower them, and create an enabling environment for them to succeed.
Elumelu disclosed this while addressing new and returning Governors at the 2023 Governors Forum, speaking on ‘Entrepreneurship, Youth Engagement, and Wealth Creation’.
The Transcorp Boss stated that the dynamics of governance in Nigeria calls for preparedness and this programme is laudable in laying the important groundwork, citing that No one can underestimate the role of good governance in contributing to the development of Nigeria, he added:
‘Our country has a population of about 220 million people – the largest in Africa. Each state in Nigeria has different dynamics, but there is one constant, the great majority are young people.
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‘Success will mean prioritizing the largest stakeholder Group in our States, our youth.’
He also added that Nigeria’s destiny can only be achieved with public and private sectors working together for the common good.
‘An entrepreneur has a stake in our country’s success. An entrepreneur carries others, family, employees, and communities with him or her.
‘An entrepreneur wants stability, power, education, respect and certainty in their environment. With this foundation, entrepreneurs can be the engines of our growth. This is why I champion entrepreneurship amongst our youth.
He urged that every state in Nigeria can be a country and Governors must see themselves as the Presidents of their states, CEOs and lead mentors, citing the Singapore model, a country with 6 million people, no oil, no abundance of natural resources, which he says focused on just human resources and purposeful leadership.
‘Today, the per capita GDP stands at USD55,000, up from USD 500 in 1965 making the country one of the most developed countries in the world.
‘But how did they get there? It was not a mistake; it took deliberate actions by focused leadership – a combination of sound financial and economic policy coupled with a corruption-free environment and technological advancement.’
Elumelu noted that as a private sector leader with investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy through Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and UBA Group he sees challenges faced by Nigeria’s young.