Mono-economy dangerous for Nigeria- NIPR

 The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra state chapter has raised alarm of the
ever increasing dependence on oil by the Nigerian government stating that this is dangerous and could land the nation in a serious economic problem.
The summit which had over two hundred participants in attendance was chaired by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Head Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. During the summit, the newly elected members of the body were inaugurated by the Hon. Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi.
The theme of the summit, “Building capacity for a Sustainable Non-Oil Economy: The Stake of Public Relations’ Practitioners” afforded the participants the opportunity to brainstorm on how to push the Nigerian economy into a non-oil sector.
The event attracted notable dignitaries which include the chief Judge of the State, Justice Umeadi, the Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Tony Onyima; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Sir Nnamdi Mekoh, amongst others.
Prof. Okunna commended the chapter for the choice of the theme which according to her is very topical, overdue and very much in order. She posited that it is imperative to diversify in a bid to strengthening the economy.
Delivering the keynote address, the honorable commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Mekoh stressed the need for a change in the economic policy of the country. He stated that it’s high time the country went back to Agriculture which has been the main stay of the economy long before oil was discovered in the 70s. The commissioner advised government to develop all sectors of the economy simultaneously further stressing the need for capacity building.
In his address, the national chairman of the association, Dr. Rotimi Oladele who was represented by Chief Uche Udedibia reiterated his commitment in repositioning the association with regards to instilling excellence and professionalism in the profession. He urged the state chapter to partner with the national body in eradicating quackery in the profession.
Earlier in his address, the state chairman, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ebebe revealed that the nose diving of the prize of crude oil has brought the Nigerian economy to faltering steps. He described the economy as an otherwise healthy looking person with low percentage of blood. In his words, “We have gathered today to discuss capacity building for a sustainable non-oil economy as advocacy for viable economy based on Agriculture, other mineral resources, tourism and other forms of human engagement and economic values. This discussion is both vital and timely just as expert forecasters see prospects of greater abandonment of Nigeria’s oil and gas which has hitherto been Nigeria’s pride.”
Delivering his paper, the guest lecturer, Prof. Julius Obiefuna from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) argued that it is not the elites that will handle the drive for a non-oil based economy but the masses. He asserted that stakeholders should pay adequate attention to the Agricultural sector. The guest lecturer further stated that private sector should be fully engaged in this process.
The participants in their resolutions after the brainstorming session stated that the economic diversification policy initiated by the present government be adopted by focusing attention on non-oil exports including processed agricultural products; that the attention of Nigerians be diverted to mineral excavation and usage; that minerals, tourism and technology be exploited to give the Nigerian economy the much needed boost and that Nigerian entrepreneurs be encouraged to invest In the non oil sector. They also stated that government should provide incentives to encourage Nigerians in investing in the non oil sector and that government and non- governmental agencies be encouraged to organize  workshops, seminars and conferences that will help Nigerians to understand the need to venture into the non oil sector.
High points of the occasion include the swearing-in and inauguration of the 9th executive council as well as presentation of awards. The award recipients include the Most Revd. Christian Efobi, Dean Church of Nigeria, Archbishop of Niger Ecclesiastical province and Bishop of Aguata Diocese; Most Revd. Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop, Awka Diocese, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, vice chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Mr. Uche Nworah, MD/CEO Anambra Broadcasting Service. Other recipients include Olisah Nzemeka, Chairman ASUBEB; Dr. Nneka Mefoh, Acting Provost, Anambra State College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu and Hon. Sir Nnamdi Mekoh, Commissioner for Agriculture, Anambra state.
By Franklin Onwubiko

Photo of Mgbakwu College of Agriculture Provost and other award recipients