Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari has warned that Nigeria’s economic progress will remain stunted if the country continues to rely heavily on imports.
Speaking at the media launch of the Nigeria Talents Exploration Challenge (NTEC) in Abuja over the weekend, he emphasised the importance of local production for strengthening the naira, making energy more affordable, and achieving sustainable growth.
Masari stated, "You can never make progress with importation. Your currency can never have meaning with importation. Your energy needs will never be affordable if they are totally dependent on what comes from outside."
In this context, he highlighted that investing in technical education is crucial for long-term economic stability, recalling past initiatives in Katsina State that trained over 10,000 youths in vocational skills.
"The idea of talent hunt and empowering the youth arose from our recognition that they are the future," he added.
The NTEC, which originated in Katsina State, has now expanded nationwide, reflecting a broader commitment to skills-based education. The event featured key stakeholders, including NTEC National Coordinator Arc. Faisal Jaafaru Rafindadi and NBTE Executive Secretary Prof. Idris Bugaje, both of whom underscored the importance of technical and vocational skills in driving economic transformation.
They believe that prioritising local talent development can help Nigeria reduce its reliance on imports and build a more self-sufficient economy.
Rafindadi described the initiative as a strategic effort to harness Nigerian talent and drive economic transformation.
Meanwhile, Prof. Idris Bugaje highlighted Nigeria’s growing role in global skills development following its admission into World Skills International in 2024. He expressed optimism that the competition would serve as a stepping stone for Nigerian talents to gain international recognition.
Bugaje added, "Africa is full of talent, and Nigeria, as the continent’s most populous nation, must take the lead. Winners of the talent hunt will have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Skills Africa competition in Zambia in 2025 and the World Skills International event in South Korea in 2026."
No comments:
Post a Comment