The Country Representative of the Platform for African Women in Smart Climate Agriculture Foundation, Dr Bola Oyegbami, has called on the Federal Government to do whatever it takes to discourage the exodus of the youthful population to other climes in search of greener pastures.
She noted that the emigration of the skilled, energetic and tech-savvy youth population is not in the economic interest of the country.
She spoke at a one-day prayer summit organised by the Ministers of God Prayer Network International for the country in Lagos recently.
She said, “For us to prosper in this nation, we must discourage the exodus of our youth. Nigeria will not develop and prosper if our youthful tech-savvy population leaves in the country daily. Our demographic dividend disappears with the ‘Japa youths’. Our skilled youth professionals leaving the country to develop another country that is brain drain. We need to deal with the present foundation laid by the British Empire.”
Oyegbami, who is also the National President, of Ministers of God Prayer Network International, pleaded with governments at all levels to give necessary support to Pawisca to achieve its set goals on climate change, and capacity development for women across the country.
She added, “Pawisca is a female initiative foundation, which started in USA, and we have 32 African nations’ that are members. We were asked to develop business plans for our nations. Nigeria came top. Naturally, Nigerians are brilliant.
The Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Stephen Adegbite, said the people in power are ordained by God, they must be supported in prayer so that the political leaders can be guided by God.
Adegbite, represented by the Ikeja CAN branch Chairman, Enoch Adesola said, “To discourage youth from leaving the country, governments must take necessary and concrete steps. Governments of developed countries like China, Japan and others in Europe and the US take measurable and significant steps from the beginning.
“Nigeria needs to develop technical schools. The Federal Government needs to put sustainable policies in place to develop our abundant natural resources beyond fossil fuels to attract our skilful youth back to the country.”
