The only option for quantum leap to meet the rest of the world in terms of real development and solution to the prevailing mass unemployment in Yoruba land and Nigeria at large is the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism. This was the submission of Yoruba leaders who spoke at the Second Yoruba Summit held in Akure, the Ondo State Capital on 9th December, 2015
The well attended summit held at the International Event Centre, The Dome, had notable Yoruba leaders including Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Sir Olanihun Ajayi.
Others were leader of Yoruba Unity Forum, Rt Revd Bolanle Gbonigi, Genl Raji Rasaki (rtd), Dr Yemi Farounbi, Otunba Gani Adams, Chief Mrs Bola Doherty, Otunba Kunle Olajide, Hon Oladosu Ladipo and Mr Yinka Odumakin among others.
Addressing the delegates at the summit, Governor Olusegun Mimiko said that lifting the people out of poverty for them to live the life ordained by God cannot be possible if the present unified federalism in Nigeria is not changed.
He said the real change needed in Nigeria is the restructuring of the system to give Nigeria true federalism so that there will be a healthy competition among the federating units.
Mimiko saluted the courage of the Yoruba leaders for convoking the summit noting that all the good things that other countries are now proud of started from Yoruba land.
Mimiko urged the Yoruba leaders to come together and float a common and united front in re invigorating development in Yoruba land.
The governor said “though these are not the best of times for the nation due to dwindling of allocation from federation account, the desired change needed in Nigeria is the restructuring of the country”
He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency implement the report of the 2014 National Conference.
He said his administration has invested so much in all sectors of the state economy to fast-track sustainable growth.
He also stressed the need to sustain the free and fair electoral process laid down by former President Goodluck Jonathan in the interest of stabilising Nigeria ‘s democracy as against what is being witnessed in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
He called for the establishment of modern cattle ranches for the Fulani herdsmen to put an end to the incessant attack on the people of Southwest by some bad elements in the Fulani community.
Chairman and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in his address read by Afenifere secretary , Chief Seinde Arogbofa, said the summit would address among other things, economic downturn and unemployment in Yoruba land and commended Governor Mimiko for his vigor and commitment to the progress and unity of Yoruba nation.
Chief Olu Falae who used the opportunity to thank the Yoruba leaders for their role in ensuring that he was released by his abductors said true federalism recommended in the last CONFAB is the solution to Nigeria’s problems
Sir Olanihun Ajayi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo who commended the giant strides of Governor Mimiko for his people and his cooperation with the Yoruba elders to liberate the region enjoined other Governors from the South West to put party affiliations aside and emulate the virtues of Governor Mimiko by listening to the voice of elders.
The two elderstatesmen submitted that unless each region is allowed to grow at its own pace there cannot be any meaningful development in Nigeria and called of President Buhari to implement Confab resolution
Rt Revd Bolanle Gbonigi corroborated the submission of Governor Mimiko saying that true federalism will lead to healthy development of the country
In his lecture on economic downturn and unemployment in Yoruba land, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi who said the Akure international event centre is amazing harped on the progress and unity of Yoruba land for socio economic development.
He said unemployment should be tackled headlong to solve economic depression stressing that quality Education is critical in solving the problems of unemployment.
He lamented the number of graduates in the employment market who according to him are unemployable due to poor quality Education and stressed the need for Education to be diverted from ornamental to functional phase that will cope with the realities of today.
He also identified SME’s as other ways of solving unemployment, explaining that SME’s have greater role to play in Nigeria’s economic development.
A communique was issued and read at the summit and was adopted by all participants.
[ONSG]
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