Lokoja: Prof. Kolade Olorunleke, a Professor of Business Administration at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), has advocated for a nationalistic embrace of local goods and services by all Nigerians to stimulate economic growth. Olorunleke made the call during his inaugural lecture titled ‘Management Outcomes: What You See is a Tip of the Iceberg’, held at the institution on Thursday. He also criticized the continued use of the US dollar over the Naira, describing it as unpatriotic and detrimental to economic growth and development. Olorunleke emphasized the need for Nigerians to change their attitudes towards imported products.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olorunleke stressed the necessity of embracing local goods and minimizing the craze for imported luxuries. He questioned the logic of a nation aspiring for greatness while abandoning its local currency and adopting the dollar as a medium of exchange. He further criticized the opulence and waste displayed by those in authority and urged the Nigerian Government to invest in social services that would benefit the majority, encouraging citizens to patronize local products over foreign ones.

The professor highlighted the need for attention to basic infrastructure such as roads, schools, health facilities, and water to ensure minimum living standards. He noted that Nigerians seek empowerment to pursue their livelihoods rather than emulating the ostentatious lifestyles of a few elites. Olorunleke advocated for the support of small-scale industries as vital drivers of the economy and called for efforts to revive industries such as textile, glass, steel, and agro-based sectors. He emphasized that the informal sector, comprising peasants, artisans, and market vendors, must be included in government economic programs.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, remarked that the inaugural lecture served as a significant academic rite of passage. He highlighted it as an opportunity for a professor to present their years of research and professional contributions. Akinwumi praised the lecturer for his insightful and thought-provoking presentation, noting its relevance to the complexities of leadership and administration. He emphasized the lecture’s alignment with FUL’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual culture.