By Oyebola Owolabi
Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa has restated the need for Nigeria to practise true federalism, saying it is the major solution to our challenges.
Obasa spoke at the 13th Hijrah Lecture 1443 A.H (2021), organised by the House, with the theme: ‘Role of Youths in Emerging Socio-Economic and Political Realities’.
According to the Speaker, citizens and leaders should salvage the economy, especially as it relates to poverty, insecurity and continuous fall of the naira.
Obasa urged the Federal Government to see the situation as an opportunity to address issues surrounding collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) in favour of states.
He said that if Nigeria was to make progress, the country should emulate United States of America and China, which relies on the provinces.
Obasa added: “The standard of living and rate of poverty are biting. Months ago, the dollar rate was still welcoming at a little above N300 but today, it is more than N500. This situation is opportunity for the Federal Government to address the VAT issue.
“China today relies on its provinces; USA practises true federalism. If we are practising federalism, we should be consistent. We should operate in a way that Osun State would explore its resources and Zamfara would do same.”
Chief Imam and Missioner of Ansar-ud- Deen Society of Nigeria (Northern States Council) Shaykh Muhyideen Bello urged the youth to know they would one day lead the country, just as he slammed leaders for relegating the youth for too long.
He advocated for women to be given important roles in governance.
Chief of Staff to the governor Tayo Ayinde said points raised by the lecturers would be considered and their suggestions implemented.
He described the topic of the lecture as thought-provoking.
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