The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, in marking the World Population Day, has explained how Nigeria can optimize its huge population size.
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria’s huge population can be a great asset to the nation if we do the right things.
He highlighted adequate investment in the critical areas of human development – education, health and poverty eradication as the major areas to harness in order to turn the fortune of the country around.
In a statement signed and issued on Tuesday, he wrote, “On this year’s celebration of World Population Day, being observed today, we are reminded that the huge population with which Nigeria is blessed will be a great asset to the nation if we do the right things.
“I have always maintained that Nigeria’s enormous human resources can harnessed for national growth and development. Demographically, the number of people between 15 and 64 years old in Nigeria is approximately 55%, meaning that more than half of our population are in their productive years.
“With adequate investment in the critical areas of human development – education, health and poverty eradication, we will gain a healthy and skilled population that will contribute greatly to the nation’s growth and development. We will be able to harness our vast lands for agriculture, boost industry, trade and commerce and build a highly productive manufacturing sector, our huge population will play immeasurable roles.
“The same has been exemplified by comparable nations like China, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh which have been able to turn their huge populations into assets by aggressive investments in education, health and support for small businesses. In the New Nigeria, our huge productive population will play a critical role in moving the nation from a consumption to a production economy. -PO”
