Why consumers must support local businesses, boost economy - Senator Fadahunsi reveals

By Taofik Jimoh

Senator Francis Fadahunsi has appealed to Nigeria, Osun residents in particular, to embrace subsistence farming and reduce craving for imported good to survive the current high cost of basic daily needs.

Fadahunsi stated this in Ilesa at the closing ceremony of an empowerment training he organised for hundreds of Osun East Senatorial District tagged: ‘Entrepreneurship Training and Provision of Start Up Grants to Youths in Selected Community Of Osun East Senatorial District’.

The programme, which was in conjunction with Nigeria Public Complaint Commission, had participants drawn from 10 local government areas in the Senatorial District.

According to Fadahunsi, consumers must support local businesses because of Nigerians’ low purchasing power and the need to boost the local economy.

Commenting on the training, Fadahunsi, who was represented by his Legislative Assistant Chief Femi Fadipe, said that the participants, who had received training in the production of shoes, bags, and soap among other things, as well as the conversion of fuel-powered generators to gas, would make a respectable living if people would purchase their goods.

The legislator added that Nigerians must change their consumption habits by producing basic food staples and using goods made in their country because efforts by various levels of government to address the myriad economic problems the nation faces have not had the desired results.

He said, “All tiers of government are coming up with various strategies to solve the country’s economic challenges, but unfortunately, the impact of their efforts is not being felt by the people yet.

“That is why I am suggesting to Nigerians to embrace agriculture, if only to feed yourself and family, it is important we are start growing our food. More importantly, let’s all start using only products we manufacture here in Nigeria. We should reduce cravings for imported goods to survive this harsh economy.

“Once we start patronising local products, people that are learning various vocations will sell their products, and they will be able to produce more. This kind of empowerment initiatives will achieve the target behind it when we all choose to that. We all need to make that decision as individuals for the country to survive the current economic crises,” he said.