Comments by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu encouraging Nigerian youths to embrace small businesses such as kuli-kuli and akara production have generated debate online after Dr. Ope Banwo questioned whether such advice reflects the level of economic vision required to address Nigeria’s unemployment crisis.
Banwo, founder of Naija Lives Matter (NLM), weighed in on the discussion through a statement in which he argued that while there is dignity in honest labour, Nigeria’s youth employment challenge requires more ambitious and forward-looking policy responses.
According to him, the issue is not whether small businesses deserve respect, but whether encouraging millions of unemployed graduates to engage in petty trading can realistically solve one of Africa’s largest unemployment problems.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with akara. There is absolutely nothing wrong with kuli-kuli. The issue is not the dignity of those businesses. The issue is whether that is the level of vision we expect from leaders entrusted with solving one of the greatest unemployment crises in Africa,” he stated.
Banwo argued that Nigeria’s young population possesses enormous potential to compete within the global digital economy if provided with the right training and opportunities.
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He contrasted Nigeria’s current approach with countries that have invested heavily in technology-driven sectors.
According to him, India has become a leading exporter of software talent, South Korea has built a technology-driven economy, while the Philippines has created large employment opportunities through business process outsourcing and virtual services.
He said Nigeria should equally position its youths for careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud computing, digital marketing, data analytics, virtual assistance and other rapidly expanding global industries.
Banwo also criticised what he described as an overreliance on empowerment programmes centred on distributing sewing machines, grinding machines and other small-scale business equipment, arguing that such initiatives cannot adequately address unemployment affecting millions of young people.
Instead, he advocated the establishment of digital training centres across local governments, innovation hubs in federal constituencies and reforms that would enable National Youth Service Corps members acquire globally marketable digital skills before completing their service.
According to him, leadership should focus on creating opportunities that allow young Nigerians to innovate, build technology companies, export digital services and generate international income without necessarily leaving the country.
He maintained that Nigeria’s unemployment challenge has become a national development issue requiring bold policy interventions and long-term investment in technology and innovation.
Banwo concluded that the country’s greatest challenge extends beyond unemployment itself to what he described as a shortage of bold economic thinking among policymakers.
The discussion has since added to ongoing conversations about youth empowerment, economic diversification and the kind of policies required to prepare Nigerian youths for opportunities within an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
