From Moshood Olawale Karim
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, gave an inspiring speech at the 11th -13th combined convocation of Western Delta University (WDU) in Delta State, where he emphasized the need for young Nigerians and university graduates to take charge of the nation’s economy and make Nigeria great again.
Shaibu commended the Visitor of the university and former two-time Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe lbori, his wife, Vice Chancellor and management team of the university for their positive impact on the institution, and urged the graduands to be the catalysts for economic prosperity by generating employment opportunities.
He stressed the importance of government’s role in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and charged the youth to take the lead in boosting the economy. Shaibu also encouraged the graduands to focus on producing for local consumption as a way of reducing pressure on dollars and promoting the consumption of locally made goods and services.
According him: “We don’t need to start disturbing ourselves to seek end to the dollar and naira discrepancy. Forget about any dollars for now and let’s focus on production, producing for our local consumption”.
“We have the size, don’t waste your energy to produce for export just to earn dollars. No, if you can produce for our local consumption, pressure on dollars will stop and crash”
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Augustine Ovuoronye Ikelegbe, also urged the graduating students to think positively and be good ambassadors of the institution. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chancellor of Western Delta University, Obong Victor Attah, Edo State House of Assembly Member, Hon Donald Okogbe, Emir of Zazzau, HRH Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, amongst others.
