Islamic Cleric Canvasses For Resource Control By States |The Source

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The Chief Imam of Akure, Ondo state, Alhaji Hakeem Yayi- Akorede, has joined in the crusade to allow states  control their resources, saying this will reduce unemployment rate in Nigeria.

In his speech to mark the muslim celebration of this year’s Eid El Adha, the Islamic cleric pointed out that the federal government should equally address the issue of incessant strikes by universities.

“On this special occasion, I want to appeal to the political class, especially in those states where election is scheduled to take place this year – Ondo and Edo States – that contestants should please appeal to their followers to be peaceful and orderly.

“Nigerians are passing through a special phase of life, and we should not allow anyone or group of people, to add to our problems. We should shun violence and embrace peace at all levels. The position all of you are contesting for,  one and only one person would win. Winners should see co-contestants as compatriots and not enemy, while the losers should accept defeat gallantly in the spirit of sportmanship.”

On the economy, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, counselled that the Federal Government should learn from advance nations of the world how to develop economically.

“The Federal government should allow states to take charge of natural resources in their domains. Nigeria is well endowed with abundant natural resources like limestone, clay, bitumen and petrol in Ondo, precious stone and metals in Ekiti, Kogi and Niger State.

“We have columbite, marble and limestone in states like Oyo , Ogun and Kogi. If states are allowed to tap their natural resources, the nation would be out of the present economic crisis and youth unemployment.”

He also canvassed for more incentives to agriculture, saying government from local to federal level should promote agriculture by supporting famers through loans and empowerment.

“Government should find a lasting solution to the problem of incencant  strikes in our tertiary institutions and set up education trust fund where students could borrow money to finance their education, as it will be a great opportunity for parents and poor students alike.

“On a last note, I am appealing to the World health bodies and the United Nations to develop vaccines and drugs to combat Coronavirus,  as soon as possible, because many important lives had been lost to the pandemic.”