Massive job creation antidote to insecurity — Agboola Odeyemi
…As Odeyemi Celebrates 82nd Birthday Anniversary
A former National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief (Dr.) John Agboola Odeyemi has advocated massive job creation by government at all levels as the only antidote to the worsening security crisis in the country.
Speaking with journalists in Ile-Ife shortly after thanksgiving service marking his 82nd birthday anniversary held at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Diocese of Ife (Church of Nigeria), Ayegbaju Ile Ife, Osun State, on Sunday, Dr. Odeyemi who expressed deep worry about the state of the nation declared that this is the time radical decisions ought to be taken to address various challenges facing the nation. Odeyemi, who was also a former Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria Plc, explained that if the decision will lead to inflation in the country, there is no cause for alarm ,stressing that massive job creation will safe the country from many challenges weighing down the country, especially in term of insecurity.
According to him, “If there is massive employment, there will be no idle hands, if there is employment, there will be peace and people would be happy in their different homes.”
He blamed the political class responsible for the current insecurity noting that all people who were used as servants and political thugs before being elected and promised jobs were left to fend for themselves and there is a multiplier effect to jobless people.
“We now have about 30 million people in Nigeria without jobs. Also, parents do not have work to do and they cannot take care of themselves how much more their children. The acid test noe in my opnion is let us go to public works. It is not about creating 20,000 or 30,000 jobs, it is more than that. Even if it will cause inflation, then let there be work and let there be peace in the land.
He also berated the government for allowing international marauders to penetrate through our already porous to inflict terror on the people of the country and use them for political settlement.
Dr. Agboola Odeyemi who is also the Baba Ijo of the church said all what he was able to do for the church and mankind were to the glory of God adding that women and children are his main focus in terms of empowerment.
Earlier in his sermon titled: Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, the Vicar of the Church, Reverend Bishop Soji Ogunyimika noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is very important not only to Christains to generality of people saying the ressurrection bring peace, love, joy, happiness and salvation to mankind.
While admonishing people to appreciate Jesus Christ for his good work to mankind saying let us live a life worth emulating character and teaching of Jesus Christ.
According to him, “The Lord will wipe out all our tears and no more ttouble as old things have past over.”
Among those that the thanksgiving service held at both Chapel of Saint John The Evangelist and Catheral of Testimony, Ayegbaju both in Ile Ife are Elder Tunde Ajisegiri and wife, Chief Mrs. Awojoola Fadodun, Oba Agustine Olasoji Odedire, Obameri of Odinland, Oba Jide Awojoodu, Afesegboye of Toba among others.
