By Udeme Clement

The transformation agenda of  President Goodluck Jonathan can be realised if he works with efficient technocrats and bureaucrats who understand the workings of the economy to ensure prudent utilisation of the nation’s resources.

The President needs to work with economists who are highly skilled and determined to move the nation forward. Economic growth and development must be paramount in their agenda.

These were the words of a financial expert,  an associate, Institute of Management , Mr. Adeda Godsman, while addressing newsmen, at his 50th birthday, at NICON club in Lagos .

According to him, “Jonathan needs an economic framework that is capable of eradicating poverty and unemployment in the system. Also, the implementation strategies should be strictly followed.

For instance, if we have good economic policies without appropriate implementation, the level of economic growth and development will be at a very slow pace. Government needs pragmatic approaches to reposition the country for rapid transformation”.

Godsman, who is also an official of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) added, “We must also realise the fact that the issue of insecurity in the country is slowing the President down in his transformation activities.

The situation does not even allow him to settle down and think of how to implement economic polices designed to move the country forward. The cases of incessant killings and insecurity are distracting the President from focusing on major economic issues that will stimulate economic growth for the benefit of the people.

The situation is as if we are at war. So, instead of concentrating on governance, the President is concentrating on how to maintain security and safety for the people. The citizens should be peaceful and work collectively to encourage the President to perform.”

He stressed, “The man has just started and he needs time to deliver. He came out to declare that he has a transformation agenda to turn the economy around for greater prosperity.”

On the level of development in the country after five decades of independence, he said, “If we compare Nigeria to United States of America (USA), we can say that we are not growing very well because of the rate of unemployment and poverty in the country. Nigeria would have developed faster if not for the level of corruption in the system. The level of corruption is quite reduced in most advanced countries with increasing rate of economic growth and development.”

On the occasion of his birthday, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life he said, “This day is quite significant because it is not easy for someone to stay healthy and celebrate 50 years considering the fact that life expectancy rate in Nigeria at the moment terminates between 50 and 55 years. I am so delighted to be counted among those who are celebrating 50.”