Dr Doyin Salami, the Chief Economic Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, has appealed to Nigerians to drive the country’s economy in a positive direction to ensure the desired development.
He made the appeal on Monday night in Abuja at the 15th annual international conference/dinner and award organised by the National Association of Energy Economics (NAEE), an affiliate of International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE).
Salami, an economist, said Nigerians must possess a positive mind toward the country’s economy if they wanted to see their economy booming like that of other developed countries of the world.
He, however, gave a rundown of what made economy of a country to progress and what made it to retrogress, adding that all was tied towards the hard work of individuals who resided in such country.
Salami also called on Nigerians to work toward attracting investors into the country to boost the economy.
Prof. Wumi Iledare, one of the past Presidents of NAEE, described the late Dr Muhammad Barkindo, former Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a receiver of posthumous award, as a man who contributed to the development of the oil sector.
He added that Barkindo also made significant impact on the global oil sector, a record which would never be forgotten.
“NAEE considers him as a wonderful ambassador, his vision and mission were in line with the vision of our association. He demonstrated excellence both in the structure and philosophy.
“He was recognised by many organisations and many countries; NAEE will miss his eloquent issues in the oil sector.
“The association has agreed to name its annual award as Muhammad Barkindo award.
“This is done to showcase his outstanding contribution to the energy sector; his contributions to the sector were excellent,” he said.
He, however, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to name some section of the NNPC towers after Muhammad Barkindo.