Productivity Day: Govt Urged to Invest in Human Capital to Enhance Productivity, Economy

Government has been urged to invest hugely on human capital development to evenly encourage productivity, enhance the economy with a view to improving good living and peace among citizens.

The urge was made by a University Lecturer and Researcher, Desmond Okechukwu Echeta, when he delivered a Keynote Lecture during the Observance of 21st National Productivity Day (NPD), organized by National Productivity Centre (NPC), Imo State, held at the Conference Hall, Federal Secretariat, Owerri, on Thursday.

Echeta who hinged his lecture on the theme of the event, “National Productivity Movement: An Imperative For Economic Recovery, Sustainable Growth And Development”, stressed that Nigeria economy will tremendously grow when the government provides infrastructure such as constant electricity, quality road, good water, accessible and affordable healthcare and other essential social services, promotes entrepreneurial education, agriculture/ farming, trading/ commerce, industry, research and development, innovation (manufacturing), skills, technology, artisanship, among other productive ventures.

He emphasized that when the economy is stimulated, prosperity and good living will be the hallmarks of the people, many of who he said deserve good employment and sustainable peace.

The Quest Speaker who harped that productivity is a key that drives the economy and hence impacts meaningfully on the people, advised the government to make policies that encourage productivity: agriculture, farming, small and medium businesses and entrepreneurial education for sustainable economy and development.

“Nigeria Government should invest hugely in human capital to encourage productivity, enhance the economy to promote good living. Infrastructure and other essential services, promote qualitative (entrepreneurial) education”, he affirmed.

In her address earlier, NPC State Coordinator, Joyce Oritsematosan Binitie, urged citizens to engage in productive activities in order to help boost the economy for enhanced prosperity and good living.

She observed that “productivity is more than just a measure of output; a vital force that drives innovation, enhances efficiency and improves the quality of life for individuals and societies alike. Productivity is important because it allows an economy to produce and consume more goods and services for the same amount of work”.

According to NPC State Coordinator, “as we navigate the current economic challenges in Nigeria, it becomes even more crucial for us as a people to harness the power of productivity and develop a productive mindset that would ensure prosperity in all faucets of our national lives. Focusing on productivity ensures we bridge the gaps for growth and development that will benefit all sectors of the Nigerian economy

“This informed the mandate for the National Productivity Centre’s establishment through NPC Act Cap 70 of 2004, which is to stimulate productivity and operational efficiency in all sectors”.

Binittie stated that the main reason behind the observance of NPD is to institutionalize productivity consciousness and excellence in service among workers and organizations in both the public and the private sectors in Nigeria, emphasizing on hard work, high performance, efficiency, discipline, dedication, humility, patriotism and selfless service.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Boniface Ejiogu, Director, Code of Conduct, remarked that the National Productivity Day is an epoc making event held annually nationwide to encourage the people to engage in productive activities to improve good living and hence assuage poverty.

“There is need for us to move from consumption to production. You will not only feed well, but have surplus money when you engage in active productivity”, Ejiogu maintained.

The event, which was remarkably witnessed by government agencies and parastatals, saw the exhibition of goods such as foot wears, leathers, food and cosmetics.

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