Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Department of Business Administration, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof Elis Idemobi has advised President Bola Tinubu to close back all borders to help promote made in Nigeria goods
He said the measure remains the only way the country can sustain its 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.
Tribune Online had earlier reported 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.
But the Professor while delivering the 11th Inaugural lecture series of the University with the title: 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.
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According to the university Don, Nigeria have grown beyond the level of still importing goods across borders despite huge endowment of resources.
“If we should consider the current economic realities occasioned 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 its borders and faces only made in China products for good 30-years and today, they are among the best economies in the World.
“Nigeria can practice the same, at most for 20-years and the negative economic narrative will change for the better.
“Despite the fact that Nigeria has been counted as the biggest economy nation in Africa, no commendable national development has occurred in the country since independence,” he said..
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 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 use of the lecture for self-development.
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