----Calls For proffer Solutions To Economic Crisis
By Khalid Idris Doya
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria's troubled democracy, attributing the country's economic crisis to decades of poor leadership, systemic corruption, and diversion of local government funds. Speaking at the 14th convocation of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state, Dogara emphasized that the nation's unbroken democracy over two decades has failed to deliver adequate security, quality infrastructure, decent employment, access to qualitative education, health, shelter, food, and water, ultimately denying citizens their economic and social rights.
The challenges facing Nigeria are multifaceted. Dogara painted a dire picture of Nigeria's current state, citing staggering unemployment rates of over 33% and nearly 60% youth unemployment. He noted that the frustration and disillusionment among the youth have reached a tipping point, prompting them to question everything, including the very foundations of society.
To address the economic crisis, Dogara proposed several solutions, including zoning and decentralization, private sector involvement, privatization of the power sector, and effective leadership. He emphasized that the concentration of power provision systems into giant, unmanageable units is a big mistake, leading to frequent supply disruptions and huge economic losses.
Dogara also highlighted the importance of universities in addressing Nigeria's economic problems, urging institutions to focus on practical solutions through research and development. He encouraged partnerships between universities, industries, and government to ensure knowledge generated has real-world applications.
Ultimately, Dogara's call to action emphasizes the need for collective effort and unwavering resolve to overcome the challenges facing Nigeria and build a prosperous, secure, and truly democratic nation.
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Education