Business
Recession: Bank Chief Tasks Nigerians On Positives
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Wema Bank Plc, Mr Segun Oloketuyi has urged Nigerians to focus in the positive aspects of the current economic recession.
He told newsmen in Akure that Nigeria had a lot of untapped potentials which should be focused on instead of the negative aspects of the recession.
“There is a lot of potentials available in Nigeria. As a country with a population of 180 million, we have a large expanse of arable land that we are not cultivating.
“I think the recession has actually instructed that we look inwards to see how much of those things imported we can do ourselves locally.
“What that does is not just conserving the scarce foreign exchange, but also creates a lot of employment for our people.
“A lot of our youths today are roaming the streets without anything to do, but I think we need a lot of encouragement and support from banks like ours to make facilities available at affordable rates”, he said.
The Managing Director said further that people should be encouraged to go to farms as a positive side of the recession, and also as a plus to the nation.
“There are positive indications that the recession will soon wind up because the inflation rate has reduced, while the rates in the parallel foreign exchange markets have also reduced.
“If the turn of events is sustained, then it is a matter of time for the recession to end. Projections by government analysts also indicate that Nigeria will get out of it this year.
“If we put a lot into the economy by way of spending, we can spend our way out of this recession”, he said.
Olokentuyi explained that the bank’s major areas of partnership with the Ondo State Government would include creating employment through agriculture and providing infrastructure.
“We have a very viable agriculture desk and intervention funds that we can assist the state to access.
“So we can help them to fund what is needed to be done and help the state generate employment for the youth”, he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
