Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for private sector participation in Nigeria’s energy sector, saying government alone cannot solve the electricity crisis.
At a youth dialogue in Abeokuta, he urged Nigeria to adopt the telecommunications model.
“Government has tried, just like government tried with telecommunications, until we put it in the hands of the private sector, we didn’t solve it.
“And I believe that until we put energy in the hands of the private sector, we won’t solve it,” he said.
Resource person Oluwaseun Obasanjo urged youths to embrace technology and entrepreneurship, saying Nigeria’s market offered opportunities for local businesses.
“The market in Nigeria is huge. And if foreign companies are coming in every day to take advantage of this market, what can you, as youth, do to be able to succeed in this same market?” he asked.
He added, “Every problem we have is an opportunity to have innovation, not just in Nigeria, across Africa, because we have similar problems.”
“If you are not utilising technology, you will be left behind,” he warned.
Programme mentor Dr Ayodele Aderinwale urged youths to participate in governance through evidence-based advocacy and study government budgets.
“If you want to influence a state budget, go and read the state budget,” he said.
He urged young advocates to present facts and practical proposals, saying: “Have facts, have data. I say this as someone who has sat on both sides of the table. When a young person walks into a meeting with a complaint, officials listen very politely. But when a young person walks in with data, a costed alternative and a constituency behind it, officials start negotiation.”
He advised youths to join established institutions: “Join a political party, attend ward meetings, not only rallies. Join your residents’ association, join your professional body, join your trade association.”
