Osinbajo, Fashola raise employment hopes among Nigerian youths
Seyi Gesinde , Nigerian Tribune
PROFESSOR Yemi Osinbajo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate, has said the party will remove all encumbrances discouraging establishment of new businesses and smooth running of existing ones in Nigeria.
He said this while speaking alongside Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, on Tuesday, during a live-streamed Google Hangout programme, organisged by the APC to engage the youth, on the topic: "Job. What's the plan?"
With an 80 per cent youth unemployment rate in Nigeria, as a result of which APC said the country faces serious challenges, Osinbajo said the unemployment problems could be tackled, especially among the youth, if the government has the will to encourage entrepreneurship.
"The most important issue is whether those in government are focused, serious about ensuring that opportunities don't waste and create an environment where the private sector and smart young men and women and smart individuals can come in to take the opportunity," Osinbajo said.
Osinbajo was of the view that APC's plans are achievable so far the government has the will to drive it.
At Lagos Energy Academy premises, venue of the online programme, the APC vice presidential candidate said the power problems would also be addressed.
"When a government is focused, when a government is serious, there are a thousand and one new businesses that can arise,” he added.
He highlighted the need for training, citing Lagos State government example, where it is engaging youths in training programmes towards being self sustained business wise and opening youths to entrepreneurship opportunities.
Fashola, also speaking, said Lagos had been able to tackle surge in the national unemployment figure as a result of commitment and dedication of government.
"National unemployment figures now are at about 24 per cent and Lagos numbers are eight per cent. If you look at the population of Lagos, if we are able to curtail the unemployment figure to eight per cent, it speaks a lot about dedication, effectiveness and being innovative on the part of government," Fashola said.
