Why I’m Passionate About FG’s Direct Cash Investment In Youths

Why I am passionate about Nigerian government embarking in a direct cash investment in our youths?

In 1975, General Yakubu Gowon did something that has never been done in Africa or any third world country. He shared the oil windfall with all Nigerians through Udoji awards.

This was a program in which every working Nigerian was given a substantial cash bonus ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on your annual income at the time.

Private companies that were not capable of making the payment to their employees were subsidized by the government through a pass through payment scheme.

Initially some economists argued that such payment would create an unprecedented inflation. They were wrong. The Nigerian economy enjoyed its biggest growth and highest GNP following the windfall payouts.

Gowon’s Udoji award was the equivalent of Obama’s stimulus plan of 2009. We can make a case that Gowon was the architect of the 21st century government bailout and stimulus schemes.

Many young Nigerians benefitted from the scheme including myself. It was the money that I received from the payout that I used to come to America.

Likewise many of my contemporaries that benefited from the awards used it to better their lives. Some went on to become successful doctors, lawyers and business executives.

What Nigerians need at this critical period in our history is a selfless leader like Gowon who would be willing to share the national cake with all Nigerians and not just the elites and the politicians.

A stimulus plan centered around the youths with a strict economic plan that promotes exports and discouraged imports is what would make Nigeria Great Again.

Please join Advocacy for Progressive Youth Empowerment Worldwide [www.apyew.com], people united for powering Nigerian youths for a better Nigeria.

Yes, we need to give our youths some measure of HOPE.

By Akib Abiola