[Nigeria’s technology group, Nigerian Technology Takeoff (NTT), has put forth a proposal urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to prioritize diversifying the state’s economy. The group emphasizes the importance of investing in agriculture, information technology (IT), and production to generate thousands of employment opportunities for the youth and establish them as significant contributors to the economy.
During a press conference held in Port Harcourt, Wiseben Kristopher, the national coordinator of NTT, underscored the need for the governor to develop a strategy that identifies the number of unemployed and underemployed graduates, thereby facilitating targeted skill training programs. While NTT supports Fubara’s Port Harcourt Ring Road project, which is set to create more jobs and enhance transportation and business operations in the state, Kristopher emphasizes that the agricultural sector holds immense potential for job creation.
Kristopher firmly believes that investing in agriculture and expanding the production of goods and services will inherently lead to diverse employment opportunities while sustaining the economy of Rivers State. Therefore, he appeals to Governor Fubara to avoid the mistake of solely focusing on job creation within the civil service and teaching sectors, neglecting critical industries like agriculture, IT, and goods and services production.
Kristopher points out that in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and daily business startups in highly advanced economies, Rivers State can propel its development by encouraging its youth to pursue similar avenues. He states, We know that Rivers stands to gain immensely by investing in agriculture, IT, and our local technology to become a production economy, rather than one that just consumes.
Kristopher sheds light on the numerous opportunities within the agriculture sector, emphasizing the multiplier effect it can create. From crop cultivation and processing to the transformation of raw materials into finished goods, each step in the agricultural value chain presents entrepreneurial prospects that can contribute significantly to employment generation. Furthermore, Kristopher highlights the untapped potential of the IT industry, drawing inspiration from India’s success as an emerging global tech powerhouse. He notes that IT jobs are abundant in India, leading to Indian youth being selective about the type of IT jobs they pursue, indicating that India has effectively tackled the issue of unemployment.
India’s unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 and above dropped to 7.7% in May 2023, compared to 8.5% the previous month, signifying the positive impact of investing in IT and related industries.
NTT’s proposal serves as a call to action for Governor Fubara to prioritize diversifying Rivers State’s economy through strategic investments in agriculture, IT, and production. By embracing these sectors and empowering the younger generation, Rivers State can progress towards becoming a production-driven economy with sustainable employment opportunities. The potential for growth and economic development is vast, and it is incumbent upon the governor to seize these opportunities for the benefit of the state and its youth.
By embracing these sectors and empowering the younger generation, Rivers State can progress towards becoming a production-driven economy with sustainable employment opportunities. The potential for growth and economic development is vast, and it is incumbent upon the governor to seize these opportunities for the benefit of the state and its youth.]
