State governments across Nigeria have been tasked to ensure policies around social investment and security are sustained, whether or not there is a change in government.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investment, Mariam Uwais, in an exclusive interview with Nairametrics at the Ekiti Fountain Summit in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Thursday.
The maiden edition of the Ekiti State Economic Development & Investment Summit also known as Fountain Summit 2021 was organized by Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration of Ekiti State and hosted by the governor.
What Uwais is saying
The SA to the President explained that policy summersault hinders the growth of social investment in any government, adding that state governments should ensure they continue remarkable policies and programmes that are ongoing.
She said, “One of the things we have to crack is how to continue policies and programmers that have commenced. Even within the same administration, there are changes but we need to lock them in to ensure continuity and the best way to do it is to use the law.
“To do that with the government is very easy but when you bring in the private sector and development partners, there is a bigger fear of disruptions. We have to ensure we keep our eyes on the ball and ensure we pass the baton to others and they also pass it on and on.”
On the importance of security on social investment, Uwais explained that the discussion was integrated in the agenda of the Fountain Summit because security is key to every investment drive.
“It was integrated in our conversation in Ekiti today because when it comes to issues of security and stability, you can’t afford to ignore the number of citizens that cannot live a constructive life basically because they have slipped through the cracks.
“This is why I was invited because I have been working on social investments over the years,” she added.
In case you missed it
Nairametrics earlier reported that the Ekiti State government organized the summit tagged, ‘Investment Attractiveness and Economic Development – Lessons for sub-national’ to position itself as an attractive destination for investors.
According to the governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi, the state is gearing for recovery from the economic downturn and is assured of a positive outlook for its economy.
He said, “We are on a mission of recovery and economic restoration together, and I assure you of our firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, and prosperous Ekiti State. The resources may be limited, but our resourcefulness and creativity are unlimited.”
The Summit was declared open by Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and headlined by other dignitaries including Governors Nasir El Rufai, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Godwin Obaseki of Kaduna, Lagos and Edo States, respectively, amongst other dignitaries, investors and stakeholders in the State.
