The chairman of United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has opined that the disregard for education and intellectual issues is the reason behind Nigeria's current economic difficulties.
In an Exclusive interview with journalists, the Professor noted that before implementing their policies, politicians should work with bright minds, as the political class cannot separate itself from intellectuals, He stressed that there must be individuals responsible for the thinking process, enabling politicians to collaborate with bright minds for implementation.
An Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR, Prof Obiora Okonkwo is a professor of business studies at the University of Abuja Business School and a visiting professor of entrepreneurial studies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School, Awka, Anambra State.
He is a Russian-trained academic cum business mogul, the Chairman of The Dome Entertainment Limited, the prime entertainment hub in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
In addition, he serves as the spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the umbrella pressure group representing major operators in the airline industry that has been leading the effort to ensure seamless operations in the sector, seen as crucial for Nigeria's economic growth.
Prof Okonkwo suggested that the marginalization of the Igbos implies that they have been doing something wrong all along. Politically speaking, it is true that they are not making the right calculations, and it is part of them.
“So, the blame should go to those sharing and deliberately depriving that other person. Igbos are everywhere, and they are working hard, but they are being marginalized. You must have some people somewhere who do the thinking, and then the politicians, working with bright minds, can then implement. Because of the disregard for education and intellectual issues, we keep fumbling as a nation.
He proceeded to urge the Igbos to excel in any field assigned to them, as marginalization extends to political positions as well.
