Philanthropist and Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates said that Nigerian government’s most important choice should be to maximise its greatest resource – the Nigerian people.
With this , he challenged the government to invest in human capital development, maintaining that it would lay a good foundation for the nation’s prosperity.
According to Bill Gates , although Nigeria has enormous potentials, they can only be maximized when the citizens are well equipped.
“Nigeria Will Thrive when every Nigerian Is able to thrive, If you invest in their health, education and opportunities, the human capital that we are talking about today, then that will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity.
“If you don’t, however, it is important to recognise that there would be a sharp limit on how much the country can grow,” he stated.
“Much of Nigeria still looks like a low-income country. Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth.
“With the fourth-worst maternal mortality rate in the world, ahead of only Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, and Chad. One in three Nigerian Children is chronically malnourished.
“The Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan identifies investing in our people as one of three strategic executives but the execution priorities don’t fully reflect people’s needs – prioritising physical capital over human capital,” he stated.
Dangote, asked the Federal Government to provide solutions to human capital challenges experienced in the country.
“By 2050, Nigeria is projected to be the 3rd largest economy in the world.
“For this next generation to thrive as adults and drive economic progress, we need to invest in their health and well-being and in their ability to learn and apply new skills.
“As a business leader, it is my responsibility to offer jobs and opportunities but I can only do that when people themselves are healthy and have basic skills.”
“A key example is nutrition; a primary focus for the Dangote Foundation.”
“Today, one of the biggest factors undermining our progress is malnutrition. Poor nutrition prevents children from realizing their true potentials, stunting not only their physical and intellectual growth but also educational and employment opportunities.
“For Nigeria to truly compete globally, we must prioritize investment in the health, education, and opportunity of our people alongside other critical areas like infrastructure,” he stated.