GbeborunSquare: Jonathan Speaks At The Opening Plenary Session of WEFA

President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the 24th World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Abuja, FCT, on May 8, 2014, Thursday.

In his first words, he has commended the U.S.A., the U.K., France, China, other countries for offering assistance to Nigeria in the battle against terrorism, adding that the big number of participants of the forum proved that the insurgency will be stopped by joint efforts.

“Your coming here to support us morally is major blow on the terrorists and by God’s grace, we will conquer the terrorists.

“I believe that the kidnap of the girls will be the beginning and end of terrorism in Nigeria,” the president said.

Speaking on unemployment level Jonathan noted that almost all countries around the world are concerned aboutjob creation. He noted that such developed European states as Spain and Portugal have the rate of unemployment at 20 percent. The situation on the African continent is similar. Nigeria is currently at about 24%, while South Africa at 25%. However, Jonathan boasted that the ongoing transformation agenda of his administration had focused on areas that would drive inclusive growth.

“Job creation must be what should occupy the time of every African leader, it is also one that keeps me awake at night,” he declared.

The President noted that the rebasing of the Nigerian economy, which had made the country’s economy largest in Africa, also opened opportunity to improve many sectors.

The sectors, he said, included agriculture, services and entertainment, among others, adding that the 2014 budget had been designed to create jobs.

It would be added that Nigeria is the first country to host the forum in West Africa. The event, tagged “Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs”, will last till May 9, 2014.

See the photos from the opening of WEF on Africa below. Photo credit – Reuben Abati