*Presents report on Nigeria Sept 1

 By Uduma Kalu, Japhet Alakam & Nnamdi Ojiego

LAGOS—After over two years research on Nigeria’s future, the British Council has said that youths, not oil, will become Nigeria’s most precious resource in the 21st century, noting by 2030, the country will be one of the few countries in the world that has young workers in large supply.

 The Council will on Sept1 in Abuja present details of the 50-page report titled ‘Next Generation Report’ to the public.

 Ms. Rabi Isma, the Council’s Director of Marketing on a visit to the Vanguard yesterday told Senior Editors of the newspapers that eminent Nigerians and academics such as former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala, Mr. Frank Nweke, ex Governor Donald Duke, Prof. Pat Utomi, among others from Harvard, British Universities and Nigerian youths  were part of the task force that conducted the report.

Isma said, “rapid population growth has created a huge strain on the country’s economic, social and political systems. Today, just 12 adults care for each of the country’s children and old people.

“Nigeria needs to develop the infrastructure that will underpin a world class economy, diversify away from oil, with an emphasis on sectors that will improve employment prospects for young people, while removing obstacles to economic growth and private enterprise.

“The oil industry contributes 40% to National GDP, but employs less than 0.15% of the population. Other industries still in their infancy offer greater potential to Nigeria and Nigerians: communications; manufacturing (textiles, clothing and footwear; automobiles); and the mining of resources other than oil.

“Nigeria must tap into the energies of the next generation , releasing its innovative and entrepreneurial potential, and ensuring that young people have increasing opportunities for political expression. It should also harness the potential of the diaspora, both to provide opportunities for the young; and for new ideas, investments, and contacts of the global Nigerian network.”