We can’t afford social unrest – FG

Posted by admin Latest Politics Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

The Federal Government has said it cannot allow youth unemployment and social disorder to prevail in the country.

The government on Tuesday, said such negative development could lead to social unrest as currently being witnessed in North Africa and the Arab world.

In order to avoid this, it has urged the 25 newly inducted ambassadors to market Nigeria’s huge investment opportunities to their host countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odien Ajumogobia SAN said this at the opening of an induction course for the newly inducted ambassadors, in Abuja.

He said government expected each ambassador to use his/her posting to advance the socio-economic growth of the country by attracting quality foreign investments to improve Nigeria’s economy.

Ajumogobia said government expected them to not only serve as the eyes, ears and mouth pieces of Nigeria in their host countries, but also helped to strengthen economic ties.

The minister noted that Nigeria was in dire need of employment opportunities.

He said, “The urgent need to reduce youth unemployment will be determined by what you do as ambassadors in your posts in the years ahead.

“Ultimately the peace, security, stability and prosperity of our great country will, to a large extent depend on how much we in the Foreign Ministry; and you as Ambassadors outside Nigeria do.

“The current events in North Africa and the middle- east should convey a message to us in this region; that youth unemployment or social-economic performance constitutes a lethal brew for insecurity.”

He said the Ministry and by extension the new Ambassadors had a crucial role to play in ensuring that government achieved the relevant objective.

Ajumogobia said, “Many nations and multinational companies are today operating in an environment where they must be truly global, decentralised and more than ever, focused on consumer needs.”

The minister said, “In the face of the increased yearning of government for accelerated economic development, you have been carefully selected to ensure that no stone is left unturned in addressing the many contemporary political and economic issues which have posed great challenges to government including our aspiration for peace and stability in the African continent and a permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.”

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