The Importance of Diversifying the Economy: Interview with Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga
Rear Admiral Geoffrey Yanga, a retired Naval Officer from Sabagreia in Kolokuma Opokuma Local Government of Bayelsa State, articulated the perils of excessive reliance on oil in a recent interview. He underscored the imperative of nurturing tourism to safeguard against a monocultural economy.
When prompted about the paucity of progress in the development of Lake Effi, Admiral Yanga ascribed it to a dearth of determination and unawareness of the value of tourism. He expressed dismay at the pursuit of oil wealth and government stipends, rather than investment in tourism and other sectors. He noted that political leaders, at both the state and national levels, frequently fail to grasp the significance of tourism sites.
Admiral Yanga advocated for increased government participation in tourism development, affirming that the state government ought to take the lead in cultivating and promoting tourist attractions. He underscored the imperative of establishing conference facilities and other infrastructure around sites such as Lake Effi to stimulate tourism and economic advancement.
Addressing inquiries about the future of the oil-dependent economy, Admiral Yanga dismissed the notion of idleness once the oil reserves diminish. He stressed that the true toil will commence at that juncture, as the country will need to explore alternative sources of revenue and economic enterprise.
When pressed about the current state of Nigeria, Admiral Yanga voiced exasperation, citing years of economic and political turmoil. He highlighted the repercussions of the unitary system of government and the excessive dependency on oil revenue, which resulted in the disregard of other sectors.
Admiral Yanga also broached the topic of resource control, advocating for a more lenient approach that permits regions with natural resources to benefit from their exploitation. Furthermore, he urged for a diplomatic approach to address regional grievances, particularly in the South-East, where secessionist movements have gained momentum.
He contended that compelling regions to remain part of Nigeria without addressing their grievances is counterproductive, stressing the necessity for negotiation and a renewed rapport among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
In conclusion, Admiral Yanga’s perspectives illuminate the necessity of a diversified economy and a more inclusive approach to governance in Nigeria. His emphasis on the development of tourism and other sectors aligns with broader endeavours to diminish the country’s overdependence on oil and address regional grievances through dialogue and negotiation.
