Okays seeking greener pastures overseasFormer Minister of External Affairs and Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has described the COVID-19 pandemic as a blessing to Nigeria as well as other medium and low income countries. Contrary to beliefs that the pandemic has disrupted the universe, Akinyemi said it did not abolish the world structure but restructured it by narrowing gaps within structures in certain aspects. According to him, the pandemic is a blessing to Nigeria because it has extensively checked financial recklessness of politicians through travel allowance, medical tourism, parties and other unfruitful ventures. On how to square up with the developed nations, Akinyemi said: “Medium income countries could change the structure of the paradigm here in the sense that they could and should become active participants in the industrial process. They will acquire skills and knowledge, and they all come back to develop Nigeria,” Akinyemi said.

Source: The Guardian January 25, 2021 04:16 UTC