The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has promised to turn markets in the country to an epicenter of economic activities if elected as president on 25th of Feb. 2023.
Obi made the promise while addressing crowd at Trade Fair Complex in Lagos on Saturday.
According to him, he is attracted to markets because 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.
Obi, whose major campaign rests on production has repeatedly said that he will move Nigeria’s economy from consumption to production if elected.
The LP candidate said that the quickest way to realize this plan of action is by turning Nigerians market to the epicenter of economic activities.
Obi, who likes to describe himself as a trader, said he connects well with the business community because he is one of them.
Obi also announced that women and youths will occupy 50 percent of his appointments in his administration.
While addressing crowds 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 he has followed the contributions of women in developed countries and was convinced that Nigeria will 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 percent of the workforce.
Obi said he will 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 his administration will pursue an affirmative action or enact a law that will make it mandatory for women to occupy important positions in key sectors of the economy.
Obi 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 Nigeria, under his watch, will borrow a leaf from these countries that have prioritized the education and appointment of women into important and productive positions.