I salute the Queen’s College Lagos Old Girls Association (QCOGA), as you mark the 95th Anniversary of your great and renowned college. Your alma mater enjoys the reputation of being the largest girl child college in the Federation.
The college has also produced in the past and present, many women in lofty positions; with many breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. The contributions of the famous QC to nation-building remain invaluable.
While QC continues its part to train and uplift the girl child, the Government must do its part too. The Obi-Datti administration, when I am elected President of Nigeria, will sustain national development. Our governance principles, priority projects and programmes shall be anchored on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Experience shows that inclusiveness is an essential element in effective public policy making. This means that groups that are often under-represented or not represented in decision-making processes such as women, youth, and the vulnerable are not only consulted but also have their participation sought. From its inception, our administration will continue to encourage investment in infrastructure, energy, transport, irrigation, and telecoms and education.
Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion in education, enterprise and politics will always be a priority. Our commitment to the wellbeing of the girl child and women is total and will be fully reflected in our broad and gender-specific policies.
We will reset and reboot Nigeria in all ramifications –leadership and governance, security of life and properties, economic and political freedom. This will entail the promotion of intangible assets that underpin democracy; namely, good governance, rule of law, security of lives and properties and robust institutions. There will be visible and measurable indices of governance the people can experience.
Our government shall prioritize education to serve the following functions: technical and industry relevance; alignment with local comparative advantages and factor endowments; modern skills proficiency, critical thinking, ethical citizenship values, global competitiveness, and talent export. We will prioritize a structured approach to developing the digital skills of our young population to give them the competitive advantage to receive offshore jobs in the new gig economy, while also improving the efficiency and productivity level of our economy.
We will pursue a Marshal plan-type programme on education that incorporates compulsory technical and vocational skills, sports, entrepreneurship, programming, and digital skills from primary to the secondary level.
Inevitably, we will improve access to finance, MSMEs, youths and women, to significantly reduce unemployment and insecurity. We will introduce a mandatory “No Child left Behind” educational policy, mindful that Nigeria’s inadequate investment in the social sectors – health, education, and housing has resulted in the current dismal social and demographic trends reflected in low life expectancy, high maternal mortality rate, large number of out-of- school children, huge unmet housing needs as well high youth unemployment.
As governor of Anambra State, my administration achieved close to a 60-40 gender balance in appointive and elective positions. The national target has hovered around 30-35%. We intend to progressively aim for between 35-40%, with aggressive gender mainstreaming action plan and rigid benchmarks.
As your President, my team and I will recreate a nation where the rich and the poor are equitably and fairly represented; where Citizens’ interests will supersede political interests and the existing trust gap between the government and the governed will be reduced to the barest minimum.
Thank you and God bless you all.
#PeterObi 🇳🇬
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
