Babalola urges govt to tackle corruption, poverty

A former Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, has called on the Federal Government to do more to fight corruption and boost job creation.

Babalola made the call in Lagos on Saturday at the Speaker Series Africa, a youth motivational programme that gives young professionals an opportunity to interact with and draw inspiration from leading African entrepreneurs.

The former minister warned that unbridled corruption, lack of accountability and impunity were major challenges for the country.

He said he was optimistic about the future, which was dependent on the ability of Nigerians to choose the right leaders.

Babalola said, “I am an incurable optimist on Nigeria. I believe the future is so bright that you may need to wear a shade. But then it is all about choices we make as a nation in respect of leadership options and development strategies. If we make the right choices, I pray, the future is unbelievably great.

“In order to avoid bleak prospects in the future of the country, those entrusted with  public finances must endeavour, as managers of our various economies, to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening fiscal responsibility, public procurement and effective management of debts. The government must confront corruption head-on.”

Babalola, who is the Vice Chairman, Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, said contrary to what many people believed, it was possible for Nigeria to overcome poverty and prosper as a nation very soon.