Investing in human capital, crucial for Nigeria’s prosperous future- Pate
By Abujah Racheal
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has emphasised the critical importance of investing in human capital, as Nigeria’s foremost asset for development.
Speaking at the Barewa Old Boys’ Association Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony in Abuja, Pate highlighted the pivotal role that prioritising health, education, and social well-being plays in steering the nation toward a prosperous future.
The minister highlighted that the health, education, and social well-being of the population should be at the forefront of all governance and policy actions.
Recognising the need for leadership and elite consensus, he emphasised the priority of investing in basic health and education, particularly for adolescent girls, women and children.
He said investment in human capital would unlock the inherent potential of the country’s population and propel the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future, as envisioned in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
To manifest President Tinubu’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria, he underscored the need to address the pressing challenges in healthcare and education.
He called on subnational leaders, especially governors in the northern part, to refocus their efforts on prioritising investments in basic health and education for their populations.
He identified several key areas that required immediate attention, including tackling high maternal, infant, and child mortality rates, as well as controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.
Additionally, he highlighted the need to reduce the burden of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, strokes, and cancers through prevention and treatment measures.
He also underscored the importance of caring for the elderly population and empowering the girl child and women economically, socially, and politically.
He underlined the need to provide quality jobs with career progression, harnessing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the boy child received a well-rounded education, enabling them to grow into responsible adults.
He acknowledged that achieving these goals would require improved governance, collaboration across governments, stronger institutions and enhanced citizen focus.
Others are reduced wastage and corruption, as well as improved and stable macroeconomic management. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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