Obasanjo and Falola Endorse Oyeyinka's Industrialization Blueprint

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and renowned historian Toyin Falola endorsed Banji Oyelaran Oyeyinka's new book, which is described as a practical blueprint for Africa's long-awaited industrial renaissance. Oyeyinka, a former Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization at the African Development Bank, unveiled the book, which compiles scholarly work spanning decades of research on policies for industrial development in Africa.

The book argues that Africa's slow development is largely due to weak industrial technological capabilities and emphasizes the need for structural transformation away from dependence on crude oil and mineral exports. Oyeyinka highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa's vulnerabilities, particularly in vaccine shortages, and stresses the importance of investing in science and innovation.

The book also critiques Nigeria's decline in global oil palm production, symbolizing missed industrial opportunities, and calls for strong leadership and institutional capacity to break the cycle of underdevelopment.