Mercy Gilberte, Vice President of Clapton Football Club, and chairperson of the Conservative Ward One in the United Kingdom (UK), has identified youths as key drivers to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
She highlighted education, minerals, agriculture, and tourism as areas she would like to invest in, adding that tourism is one of Nigeria’s untapped economically viable sectors.
During an interview with pressmen in Abuja— the nation’s capital, on Friday, May 31, the Zimbabwean born emphasized the importance of understanding the problems facing Nigerians from those directly affected.
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Gilbert was hosted by the president, Global Migration Research Institute, GMRI, who is also the president, UNESC Foundation, Dr. Azuma Ijoma Williams.
Among other major stakeholders She has met, she recently forged a partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC).
Furthermore, she will be collaborating with the raw materials under the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, paving the way for innovative breakthroughs.
She said: “I think it’s essential to analyze the problems first,” she said. “Yesterday, I met with a medical doctor, and we discussed the problems facing Nigerians. As an outsider and a westerner, I don’t fully understand the problems, but I believe that to fix them, you need to understand them from those who are directly affected.”
Gilberte praised the determination and hard work of Nigerians, particularly the youths, whom she believes are the drivers of society and the future.
Furthermore, Gilbert who is also the Chief Executive Officer, British African Business Forum (BABF) expressed her desire to tackle youth unemployment and create jobs through a pilot program in Delta State, aiming to train over one million youths in the next five years.
“The basic areas I’m interested in are education, which is highly important to me because educating people means educating a village, especially women.
“Then there’s power, electricity, renewable energy, water, and tourism. Tourism drives a nation because it comes in different spheres. You can combine tourism and sports, which brings in investment, trade, and various aspects, allowing people to see the country and culture for what it is”, she averred.
Gilberte added, “Youths are the drivers of society and the future. Unfortunately, many youths in Nigeria are unemployed, and tackling this issue will help terminate the stigma Nigeria faces, especially regarding crime and deviant behaviors.
“So, I want to focus on youth employment because many young people are educated but lack jobs. My pilot program in Delta State offers over 108 courses, and we plan to replicate it across Nigeria, training young people and partnering with banks and organizations to get them employed in various fields.”
On leadership, the deputy political chairman, Conservative Party offered her expertise, gained from various areas such as sports, politics, and business, and reeled out plans to train people across industries in Nigeria through courses run in conjunction with London universities.
“My leadership skills have played a role in different areas, and I’ve gained expertise in running courses in leadership. I’d like to train people in Nigeria, offering short courses to one-year specialized courses for leadership, whether in government or business.”
Gilberte also emphasized the need to empower men, often left behind in empowerment initiatives, particularly in mental health programs.
“Believe in yourself; don’t think that selling your sexuality opens doors. You can sell your mind, ideas, and ideologies, and that will open doors for you,” she advised women and girls.
Gilberte’s inspiring story, from her humble beginnings in Zimbabwe to her current position, serves as a testament to her determination and success.
Her commitment to Nigeria’s development and willingness to invest in key sectors are a welcome boost to the country’s growth and progress.
