Federal Government has been charged to revamp all its moribund industries and create more programmes to encourage the people to engage in agriculture, to boost the economy and ensuring food sufficiency.

 

Dr. Dan Okekenta, a diplomat and peace ambassador, gave the charge in an interview with ABS business correspondent Abuchi Nwozor in Awka.

 

He expressed regret over the moribund state of federal government-owned industries, including textile mills and cement companies, and advocated their revival to create jobs and boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

 

Dr. Okekenta recalled the prosperous Northern groundnut pyramid, Western cocoa plantation, and Midwestern rubber plantation, which were once significant sources of income for the country, urging the federal government to revive these industries.

 

According to Dr. Okekenta who is a papal knight of Saint Gregory the Great, misappropriation of priorities is a significant problem in the country.

 

He charged the government to prioritize industrialization and agriculture to reduce dependence on foreign goods and strengthen the Naira.

 

The Enugwu Agidi-born diplomat also called on the federal government to implement measures benefiting the youths, to divert their attention from crime and restiveness.

 

He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s people-oriented programmes, including the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which promotes self-reliant and job creation in Anambra State.

 

Dr. Okekenta urged community leaders to establish peace-building committees while encouraging youths to always participate in programmes that will promote peace and unity in the country.