Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stressed the need for Nigeria to have ‘well-thought-out’ investments that would create jobs, promote sectoral integration and uplift the economic foundations of the country.
Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, said this at the commissioning of the 100-Bed capacity facility of Ace Medicare Clinics Limited at Otta, Ogun State on Friday.
While congratulating Dr Wole Kukoyi for the initiative, the former president also urged other Nigerians within and outside the shores of the country to follow his (Kukoyi) example to creating a great, stable and productive economy. Adding that, Ace Medicare Clinics would contribute to the productivity of the country while providing healthcare services to the people.
He said, “The days of opportunistic or quick portfolio investment in Nigeria are gone. What we need are well-thought-out investments that will create jobs, promote sectoral integration, increase local content, and uplift the economic foundations of Nigeria.
“The investment in Ace Medicare Clinics Limited is one that meets these qualifications while at the same time, providing service for humanity. The effects of the investment in the facility will touch the lives of people, reduce pain and sorrow and help build the bodies and minds of people who in turn would be more productive in society. ”
Obasanjo also urged wealthy Nigerians in diaspora to cue behind such initiative, adding that, investment in appropriate locations all over the country would contribute immensely to the development of the country.
He, however, tasked the government on creating the right atmosphere that would enable businesses thrive.
“I am aware that there are thousands of well-placed, experienced, qualified, even wealthy medical practitioners in the diaspora that can invest in projects like this. Ace Medicare Clinics Limited presents a challenge to them. It is a call to patriotism and an opportunity to show leadership. I urge them all to come home, individually or as groups, to invest in appropriate locations all over the country.
“But I will not rule out the role of the government in this respect. The atmosphere in the country must be made conducive, security has to improve significantly, and all official and private support systems should be put in place to ensure that their investments yield returns,” he said.
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