Oluyomi Ola-David Insights

Undoubtedly, Africa has a young population and one of the fastest rates of natural increase in the world. According to UN-DESA, while most European countries are at zero population growth rates, Oceania at 1.7 percent and Latin America at 1.1 percent, the average annual population growth in Africa was about 2.5 percent as at 2013.  Of all the challenges of having a young population, that of unemployment is most visible and impactful on the social and economic environment. Owing to the low labour absorption rates of the organized private sector in developing countries, most unemployed youths who migrate to cities in search of ‘greener’ pastures find solace in the urban informal sector – for livelihood.  These youths either rove busy urban streets or sit by sidewalks in make-shift shacks to sell their wares; this they continue to do, despite their daily   exposure to hazards   – accidents, harassment by law enforcement agents, arrest, confiscation of wares   and the attendant   i

The socio-economic effects of emerging trends in foreign direct investment (especially in resources) have received much attention in media reports, academic literature and policy briefs in recent times.  To cite an instance, the 2014 Africa Progress Panel report highlights the current and potential roles of land and water resources in the structural transformation of African economies.  Following the 2007/08 food security crisis and increased drive towards alternative energy sources, several countries (including China, the world’s most populous country) have purportedly sought investment in land resource abundant countries (mostly Africa) for agricultural use amongst other things.  Besides, the writing of experts on the study of Sino-African relations, notably Deborah Brautigam, is due to be acknowledged. In a recent discourse paper I contributed to debunking some myths surrounding Chinese land grab in Africa. As against pessimistic perspectives that focus on the potenti

From childhood, I have been averse to the sight of folks throwing out packs of recently consumed items from moving vehicles (from rickety buses/cars to posh cars!) or as they pass by along sidewalks.  I still recall how loud my (mind) protests were, sometimes giving a ‘bad eye’ to the unsuspecting culprits. It always agitated my young mind, anytime I passed by a street corner or highway and saw consequences of individual actions – heaps of dirt.  Paradoxically, those of us who tend to litter our noble environment will likely be first to scream at the press or say offhandedly that the government is responsible for our roadside rubbish.  Oh! Who is the government? The physical structures that make up the federal and state secretariats or local councils? We, the people, are the ‘governors’ of our environment, of our country and the architects of our future. There are several programmes and policies that have been implemented towards a cleaner environment at different points i