By Ovat Abeng
Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Department of Business Administration, Chukwumemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof Elis Idemobi has advised President Bola Tinubu to closed back all borders to help promote made in Nigeria goods.
He said the measure remains the only way the country can sustained it national development.
Idemobi’s advice came on the heels of the directive by the President for the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.
The Paradise News gathered that a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, indicated that the directive was in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.
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But the Professor while delivering the 11th Inaugural lecture series of the University with the tittle: Sustainable Development Pursuit With Entrepreneurship And Wealth Creation On The Run- Paradox of Nigeria, held at ETF Auditorium Igbariam on Thursday, said the closure at most for 20-years will address the endemic problem of poverty and unemployment.
According to the University Don, Nigeria has grow beyond the level of still importing goods across borders despite huge endowment of resources and as “If we should considered the current economic realities occasion by the dwindling oil revenue, there is no better time to promote made in Nigeria goods than now. If we are really serious about diversifying our economy, we must revive all our local industries and promote patronage for made in Nigeria goods.
“China closes it borders and face only made in China products for good 30-years and today, there are among the best economy nation in the World.
“Nigeria can practice same, at most for 20-years and the negative economy narrative will change for the better.
“Despite the fact that Nigeria is been counted as the biggest economy nation in Africa, no commendable national development have occurred in the country since independent.
In his recommendation, Prof Idemobi, said what Nigeria really need now to achieved it grow and developed in all sectors of the economy includes “regional corporation in infrastructural provision, increase operation on security nationwide, greater focused on local production and the need for every Nigeria to keep behind political, ethnic, tribe and religion sentiment if we must get it right.
The Ag Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, in her brief remark, while commending the lecturer on the topic, said the inaugural lecture series is a platform created by the University to enable a Professors showcase their academic achievements over time.
She noted that the 11th series is the third that has taken place under her watch and it will continue until August 2024.
On his contribution, the Lawmaker representing Onitsha North two Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Okafor, advised other participants, especially, the youths to make used of the lecture for self-developement.
