The event was held in pursuit of the vision of the PLATFORM namely, to mould and create a better alternative for Nigeria’s tomorrow.
A communique issued by “Friends Of Yemi Farounbi Platform” at the end of its maiden public lecture, held the Oyo NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, on Tuesday, 10 January, 2023.
Introduction
The event was held in pursuit of the vision of the PLATFORM, established to serve as a FORUM for vibrant discussions and education, knowledge sharing and a Think-Tank for diverse thoughts on socio-economic and political events for positive and transformative development of Nigeria.
In other words, Moulding and Creating a Better Alternative Tomorrow.
The event was attended by Dr Yemi Farounbi, top dignitaries, leading past and present print and electronic media owners, practitioners and members of the public.
Opening Remarks
Participants at the event acknowledged the qualities of Dr Yemi Farounbi as a mentor, compassionate, and humble professional engineer, who has made significant contributions, not only in broadcasting, but all other areas of our national life in Nigeria, including the political and diplomatic arena.
It was acknowledged that his qualities, personality and commitment to a better Nigeria should serve as reference point and inspiration in the quest to mold opinions, and also present an avenue for the voiceless with the objective of building a great Nigeria of our dream.
Highlights Of Proceedings
Participants drew attention to the following during the proceedings:
Politics And The Political Process
Politics and the political process including election are important; and attention must be paid to high quality of our representation in the political process.
In this connection, it was stressed that that there must be an end to the syndrome of Accidental Leaders as we have witnessed in Nigeria.
And only politicians who have clear ideas with a blueprint of what they want to do in politics should be encouraged to contest for political office at all level of government.
It was also stressed that attention should be paid to recruitment into leadership cadre in political parties and other sectors of the society.
Politics And The Economy
There is an intrinsic link between politics and the economy. Consequently, serious attention must be paid to the connection.
It was observed that, currently, the Nigerian economy with a budget of a little over about N21 Trillion Naira (just $43.7 billion) for 2023 is under-performing compared to its potentials; and other countries, such as Brazil of similar population but with a budget of $306 billion.
Attention was drawn to the Nigerian economy, largely dependent on oil, and plagued by mismanagement and corruption inadequate infrastructure, and shortage of foreign exchange and insecurity across the country.
These problems were identifies as reasons for the collapse of industry such as Leyland, Exide Battery, Isoglass and others that flourished in Ibadan and others in other parts of the country.
It was concluded this situation must be reversed.
Restructuring The Economy
Steps must be taken to restructure and reposition the economy for inclusive sustainable growth and development by fully harness its agricultural potentials, reviving industry, manufacturing and introduction of approximate monetary and fiscal policies that can encourage the private sector and definitive resolution of the petroleum subsidy.
All of these measures must be geared toward moving the country current from its status as consuming nation to a producing nation.
Return To True Federalism
It was observed that the military intervention of 1966 and subsequent military coups and long years of military rule led to instability in governance and altered the practice of Federalism in Nigeria with the imposition of a highly centralised Presidential System of government.
It was indicated that during the First Republic, Nigeria was truly a Federal Republic in law and practice.
And steps must now be taken for a return to true Constitutional Federalism in law and practice under which, and in accordance with its priorities, federating units will have control of its resources for its development, at its own pace.
Role Of Journalists And Media Houses
It was emphasised that the Press, journalists and media houses have an important role to play as the watchdogs of the society and the political process.
Consequently, journalists and owners of media houses were charged to live up to the tenets of their profession and help to serve as checks on politicians in the political process and to ensure adherence to democratic values at all times.
Curbing Population Explosion And Harnessing Demographic Dividend
Attention was drawn to current population growth and explosion without corresponding economic growth and expansion of infrastructure.
With its current population of 214 million, and annual population growth of 3.5 per cent, Nigeria’s population is projected to be close to 400 million by 2050, to become the third most populous country after China and India.
As a population with a large youth component the issue of youth unemployment must be tackled urgently.
Consequently, efforts must be made to ensure that Nigeria’s growing population does not become a liability and exacerbate its security problem.
But strategic options must be identified to turn its huge population, made up mostly of of young people, into an advantage to harness the demographic dividend.
2023 Elections and Hope for Nigeria’s Future
The 2023 was identified as another historical and unique opportunity to restore hope in the future of Nigeria as a great nation and fulfillment of its manifest destiny as a leading country in Africa and the world at large.
All efforts must therefore be made to ensure that the 2023 elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere and credible leaders and politicians are voted into power for genuine transformative developments.
Conclusion
Participants commended the initiators of the Friends of Yemi Farounbi Forum.
It was stressed that all efforts must be made to sustain its programmes and ensure it spines a wave of ideas and initiatives for the desired transformative and positive impact for a better Nigeria.
