From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Former governor of Edo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has made a passionate plea for the revival of Nigeria’s textile industry, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and employment.
Speaking during the 37th Annual National Education Conference of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), held at the Adams Oshimohole Textile Labour House in Kaduna Oshiomhole lamented that despite Nigeria’s potential, the industry has been neglected, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.
Oshiomhole recalled the vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who established textile factories in the 1950s to process local cotton and create jobs.
This visionary leader recognized the potential of Nigeria’s textile industry to drive economic growth and employment, and Oshiomhole is now urging the government to revive this vision.
Oshiomhole, who was the former Secretary General of NUTGWAN, blamed reckless government policies and globalization for the collapse of the textile industry, citing the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) influence on Nigeria’s trade agreements.
He argued that the WTO’s policies have led to the de-industrialization of Nigeria, making it reliant on imported goods and stifling local production.
Senator Oshiomhole urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the textile industry, emphasizing its potential to create over 20 million jobs.
He called on the government to implement policies that support local production, protect Nigerian industries, and promote economic growth, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
Oshiomhole stressed the importance of labor unions in promoting workers’ rights and supporting local industries. He emphasized the need for workers to be vigilant and demand better working conditions, wages, and benefits, which would in turn contribute to the growth of the economy.
Oshiomhole explained that when workers earn decent wages, they save, and banks have deposits to lend, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth. He urged the government to prioritize workers’ welfare and support local industries to sustain this cycle and promote economic development.
Oshiomhole commended President Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy, emphasizing its potential to promote local production and economic growth. He urged the government to implement policies that support Nigerian industries and create jobs, thereby reducing reliance on imported goods.
Oshiomhole proposed that the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy should wear uniforms produced and tailored in Nigeria, promoting local production and creating jobs. This initiative would not only support the textile industry but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Oshiomhole linked the collapse of the textile industry to insecurity, arguing that unemployed youth are vulnerable to recruitment by bandits and other criminal groups. He urged the government to prioritize job creation and economic growth to address insecurity and promote stability in the country.
Oshiomhole criticized the misuse of faith, arguing that people should focus on productive work rather than relying on prayer alone. He emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and productivity in achieving economic growth and promoting development.
Oshiomhole urged young people to prioritize education, skills development, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the potential for Nigeria’s textile industry to create jobs and drive economic growth. By investing in their future, young people can contribute to the country’s economic development and prosperity.
Oshiomhole envisioned a better future for Nigeria, with thriving industries, decent jobs, and improved living standards. He urged Nigerians to work together to achieve this vision and promote economic growth, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing local production, supporting workers’ rights, and promoting economic development.
