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There are many technocrats in Nigeria that can be called upon to improve and revamp the economy, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said.
He noted that the country ought not to pitch tent with mediocre who have subjected the nation in economic challenges.
Chief Obasanjo spoke at a valedictory programme organised by Chrisland University, Abeokuta, for its outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Babalola, after seven years in office.
Obasanjo said “Nobody will do it for us, we have to do it for ourselves and I believe there are people everywhere and we just have to look for them.
“Two major development banks in Africa are headed by Nigerians and the international trading organisation (WTO) is also headed by a Nigerian, Ngozi Okonjo-iweala.
“The number two woman in the United Nations, Aminat Muhammed, they are Nigerians, why are we hanging on to mediocre and then languishing in a harsh economy?”
He urged Nigerians to diversify the economy through agriculture, tourism, industry as well as education for a robust Nigeria.
The former president commended the courage of the founder and the visitor to the university, Dr Winfred Awosika, for her unwavering determination and commendable investment in the education sector of Nigeria.
He also praised the outgoing vice-chancellor for taking the institution from ground zero to enviable heights.
