Mr Issa Aremu, the Director General (D-G) of the Michael Imoudu Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS), on Thursday in Ilorin tasks the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to have a rethink on the cashless policy in the country.
Aremu made the call while speaking on the sidelines of the Interfaith Prayer organised to mark the 40th Year Anniversary of the Institute.
According to him, it is unprecedented that Labour union is threatening to picket the CBN.
He observed that the CBN should use every means at its disposal to ensure monetary stability in the country, adding that depositors are facing hardship.
The D-G believes that the CBN must be more transparent, engaging and look at the overall policies impact on the growth and development of the economy of the nation, adding that this will ensure confidence of Nigerians in the banking system.
He explained that such cashless policy should be gradually introduced when the appropriate infrastructure are put in place.
He added that it also requires mass sensitization and awareness, adding that there was limited time for implementation of the policy for Nigerians.
The D-G applauded the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, which provides loans (in kind and cash) to smallholder farmers, which he said had boost agricultural production, especially rice.
He therefore insist that Labour picketing is avoidable and preventable, while advising the apex bank to address all concern by organise labour.
Speaking further on the 40th anniversary, Aremu appreciated the Almighty God for sustaining MINILS and the progress so far recorded in the institute.
“This gathering is all about appreciation to Almighty God in the holy month of Ramadan in which Catholic lent also runs. Both Christianity and Islam stress gratitude. Gratitude pleases Allah while ingratitude displeases Him.
“Glory to Almighty for sparing our lives to continue the institutional building that started with President Shehu Shagari formal commissioning in 1983,” he said.
He observed that many institutions at 40 are moribund due to irrelevance. We thank God that MINILS is a preferred official and unofficial Centre. On Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March 2023 MINILS will host the first induction course for CONWA .
In his exhortation, Prof Abdullateef Oladimeji, the Immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin stated that the institution has every cause to praise God because of the success recorded.
He therefore underscores the many achievements recorded by the institute as it has impacted on the development of the nation.
Also Prophet Michael Adio, the Head of CAC Alabukun, Ilorin and Sheikh Sadiq Kasan Dubu, both charge Nigerians to always pray for the nation, adding that prayers can change situation to better one.
They prayed for the success of MINILS, the D-G and staffs of the institution and Nigeria as a whole.
