Jonathan: ‘It is the private sector that creates jobs’

President Goodluck Jonathan has encouraged youths to consider establishing small-scale businesses instead of seeking white collar jobs, as government alone cannot provide jobs for all of them.

Fielding questions in Abuja as part of activities to commemorate the Democracy Day celebrations, Jonathan assured the youths in attendance that his government will continue providing sustainable programmes that will ensure that the private sector thrives.

He agreed that youths, being “today’s leaders”, should be given the opportunity to fully express themselves in the broader society, especially in decision-making.

This, he said, can be achieved if the youths take a stand and go into businesses, instead of waiting for government to provide jobs for them. He said policies have been put in place to encourage the growth of small businesses.

“This administration is focusing on the private sector, to encourage youths to go into the private sector,” he said.

“Do not be afraid to start small. Most African billionaires started with almost nothing. Have a dream, grow your business, and make meaningful impact in the country’.

“Government alone cannot create jobs for the people; it is the private sector that creates jobs, but government’s duty is to create the enabling environment for the private sector to blossom.”

He revealed that the country will soon be exporting vehicles, enthusing that this will limit the importation of certain categories of goods, thereby protecting local industries.