The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has explained why he is visiting markets for campaigns. Obi who embarked on an open tour of markets within the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State yesterday said that he was attracted to the markets as they are centres of production, manufacturing and distribution, as well as the hub of small and medium scale enterprises upon which the Nigerian economy rests. A major plank of Obi’s campaign rests on production.
The LP presidential candidate has repeatedly said that he would move Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production if elected president.
He said that the quickest way to realize this plan of action was to make the markets the epicenter of economic activities.
Obi who likes to describe himself as a trader said that he connects well with the business community because he is one of them.
A major highlight of Obi’s interaction with the business community in Lagos was his announcement that women and youths would occupy 50 per cent of appointive positions in his administration if he is elected as president on Saturday.
While addressing a crowd of elated and excited traders in the markets within and around the Trade Fair Complex, Obi told them how important women and youths are in the development and growth of economies around the world.
Obi said that he has followed the contributions of women in developed countries and was convinced that Nigeria would reap bountifully if it gives women and youths the opportunity to thrive and excel.
He gave the example of Bangladesh, whose export trade, especially in clothing, boasts of women occupying 50 per cent of the workforce.
He promised to replicate these models of production and manufacturing in Nigeria as one of the ways of growing the country’s economy.
To realize this noble objective, Obi said that his administration would pursue an affirmative action or enact a law that would make it mandatory for women to occupy important positions in key sectors of the economy.
He also met with the diplomatic community in Lagos such as the United States, Britain, Germany and Finland whose Ambassadors or High Commissioners to Nigeria are all women.
The LP candidate said that Nigeria under his watch would borrow a leaf from these countries that have prioritized the education and appointment of women into important and productive positions.
Related video