Wealth Of Nigeria Lies In Innovation Creativity, Not Oil, Says Peter Obi | Independent Newspapers Nigeria
LAGOS – The former governor of Anambra State and the Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic (PDP) in the 2019 elections, Dr. Peter Obi has advised the ruling government and others in the continent to invest more in innovation, creativity and education as the new and future wealth of the continent.
He gave the advise while delivering the maiden convocation lecture of the Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun state titled: Creativity, Innovation and Entreprenuership: A Critical Intersection For Economic Development in Africa on Friday.
Obi called on governments to invest heavily in innovation, encourage creativity and entreprenuership as a critical component and the pedestal on which the development of the continent rests.
Identifying the problem of the continent as economic development, he urged leaders to deliberately invest in the youths and begin to think out of the box by approaching issues from different perspectives to achieve new results.
He commended the proprietor of the university High Chief (Dr.) Winifred Awosika for investing and providing quality education as an entrepreneur in a country where the government does not support owners of schools not render help.
“What government only does is to collect taxes from private institutions and not support them for growth, development and training of high level human resources required by the country.”
He decried poor investment in the education sector, saying that South Africa with lesser population than Nigeria in 2018 alone budgeted $17billion where Nigeria had over the years failed to match the figure.
Earlier in her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedum Babalola said the takeoff point of the university was not easy expressed appreciation to Dr. Awosika for never die approach to life, saying the result was the maiden convocation of the seven pioneer students of the university.
“To our graduates whom we have rightly christened ‘Stars’ are indeed stars. You chose to be part of the beautiful history of Chrisland University, we are proud of you. I congratulate you specially for your courage and belief in us,” she said.
Dr. Awosike, the Chancellor in her address said the maiden conviction marked a great day and the fulfillment of a dream, saying that for God to have spared her life to witness the day was an achievement.
She recalled, “The idea of establishing Chrisland University was a culmination of an educational initiative that started on the 3rd Day of October, 1997.
“From the outset of the university, a premium had been placed on qualitative and gift standard.”