Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Foundation, has said that Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth to children because it has the fourth worst maternal mortality rate in the world.
Gates said Nigeria is only slightly better that Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad.
Speaking during the Expanded National Economic Council meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at State house, Mr. Gates noted that Nigeria’s fiscal situation was at a low equilibrium, resulting in low returns on taxation for low levels of service.
He stated that his foundation’s biggest office in Africa was Nigeria where he had committed over $1.6 billion so far with the intention of increasing his commitment in the country.
He said that Nigeria has unmatched economic potential but that what becomes of the potential depends on the choices her leaders make.
“The most important choice you can make is to maximize your greatest resource, the Nigerian people. Nigeria will thrive when every Nigerian is able to thrive.
“If you invest in their health, education and opportunities, the “human capital” we are talking about today; then they will lay the foundation for sustained prosperity.
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“If you don’t, however, then it is very important to recognise that there will be a sharp limit on how much the country can grow.
In the area of health, he said, “Nigeria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth with the fourth worst maternal mortality rate in the world ahead of only Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad.
“One in three Nigerian children is chronically malnourished.
“I urge you to apply this thinking to all your investments in your people. The Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan identifies “investing in our people” as one of three “strategic objectives.”
But the “execution priorities” don’t fully reflect people’s needs, prioritizing physical capital over human capital.
“To anchor the economy over the long term, investments in infrastructure and competitiveness must go hand in hand with investments in people.
“People without roads, ports, and factories can’t flourish; And roads, ports and factories without skilled workers to build and manage them can’t sustain an economy”, Gates added. ###
Picture shows President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in a handshake with the President of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates. With them is the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during a breakfast meeting in Abuja.
