By Amby Uneze KSJI
It is imperative to explore, elucidate and reproof the alleged inaccuracies depicted in Dr. Ruben Abati's sultry comment on "The Morning Show" of Arise TV channel of Thursday last centred around Governor Hope Uzodimma's endeavour to create 4000 jobs for Imo youths in Europe and Canda. I argue that contrary to Abati's claims, Uzodimma's venture is not only unprecedented but also an innovative way to combat unemployment, enhance skill acquisition and stimulate the economy of not only Imo State but Nigeria in general.
Interestingly, Abati, in his inimical and virulent comment, formulated a critique towards Governor Uzodimma's revolutionary initiative, boldly labelling it as a 'ploy to perpetuate modern-day slavery'. A magnified examination of Uzodimma's intent reveals quite the antithesis of his claim.
In his bid to decrease the escalating rate of youth unemployment in Imo State, Governor Uzodimma conceived the idea of training and empowering 20000 youths in the State in Skill-Up digital programme whereby they were tutored in several aspects of computer information systems. This number comprised of the 5000 in Cohort 1 and 15000 in Cohort 2, and out of this huge number, he promised to create 4000 jobs in European and Canadian companies for Imo youths. And this is what Dr. Abati perceived as counterproductive, arguing it would lead to an excessive brain-drain. However, this perspective is somewhat blinkered.
Quite the contrary, researches have frequently indicated instances where labour migration can generate substantial benefits for the source countries. Reference to D. Ratha, S. Mohapatra, and E. Scheja, 2011, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/10/09/remittances-help-boost-economic-growth. It fosters economic growth via remittances and returns on investment when these trained individuals decide to come back home.
Moreover, Abati's claim that the initiative is a ' political ploy' holds no factual base as the migrant youths are not being exploited but rather offered the opportunity to acquire new skills, gain employment, and improve their wellbeing. The International Labour Organization (ILO) concurs with this stance, arguing that labour migration can be beneficial if well managed.
Contrary to Abati's contention that this plan further perpetuates modern-day slavery, Uzodimma's initiative ensures that these youths work under decent conditions, adhering to the European and Canadian Standard of Workers' Rights. Thus, positioning the migrant workers in a hasped cocoon of enhanced protection, security and a reasonable wage.
Moreover, it must be held that the plan to export labour is not a fundamental flaw; instead, it is a strategic and necessary response to double-edged issues – high unemployment rate and skill gap. Abati, regrettably, downplayed the colossal advantages of this initiative and misconstrued Uzodimma's intents.
Let me draw Dr. Abati's attention of the fantastic observation of one the world's renowned computer and digitech wizard, Leo Stan Eke, who is also the Chairman, Zinox Group, hailing Governor Uzodinma for the enduring legacy he had instituted through the digital empowerment scheme.
He noted, "It's unprecedented. You can quote me. I don't know what inspired the Governor. He has put a futuristic system in place."
Furthermore, Ekeh, a Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon urged the benefiting youths to make ample use of the opportunity in changing the narrative of their community and the nation at large for good.
"I'm excited with what the Governor is doing. This is not the first time. The first time was 5,000 youths. Today 15,000 youths. I am a witness and we are all witnesses to this ambition to create digital natives.
"When I was growing up, if somebody had given me a smartphone, I would have been one of the first five richest people in the world. What His Excellency has done today; you can quote me: it will even be difficult for the Federal Government to achieve in a short period of time.
"If I am one of you today; I will take that tool, go home, invite my parents, brothers and sisters and hold hands and pray for the Governor, his family and his government. If you don't do it, you've failed yourself.
"I just thank God that I could see over 5,000 certified billionaires in this stadium who will build wealth that whispers as a right. And the man who made it possible - you must continue to pray for him."
Governor Uzodinma had disclosed that his administration will continue to provide digital empowerment opportunities for the youths of the state, even as he cited the importance of technology as a leveller and the future wealth of nations.
"With another 40,000 Imo youths about to begin training in Cohort 3 of the Skill-Up Imo program, Imo State is set to become the digital hub of Nigeria and Africa.
"Digital knowledge is becoming increasingly important in the modern world. As more and more aspects of our lives move online, it's important to have a good understanding of how to use digital technologies effectively," he stated.
Whilst it is imperative to constructively criticise policies, it is equally important to ensure that these criticisms are factual, fair and harbour no trace of bias. Abati's misconception of Governor Uzodimma's intentions was a disservice to the efforts embarked upon to alleviate youth unemployment, thereby necessitating this robust redress.
In a nutshell, Governor Uzodimma's plan to create 4000 jobs for Imo youths in Europe and Canada exposes them to a world of possibilities, enhances skill acquisition, combats unemployment and promotes economic growth – a far cry from Abati's skewed perspective. It indicates an innovative approach to governance, one that looks beyond the conventional and is very much consistent with global labour and migration trends.
In re-analysing the situation, it becomes crystal clear that Dr. Ruben Abati misinterpreted Governor Uzodimma's intent and completely got it wrong in his critique. This assertion in no way underplays my recognition of his rights to critique widely; rather, it maintains my stance that such should be done constructively, bearing in mind its potential societal implications.
_*Hon. Sir Amby Uneze is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media_
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