We can’t afford to keep borrowing to consume — Sanusi

The former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, yesterday, called on the country to “move the country to path of fiscal sustainability.” 
Sanusi, who spoke at the unveiling of his book ‘For the Good of The Nation’, said the country cannot continue to borrow to fund consumption. He warned against reckless borrowing, saying it is a sacrifice that must be made now.
 
The book, a collection of essays and perspectives, was unveiled to mark his 60th birthday. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CDN) also insisted that Nigeria had much to gain staying together as one. He dismissed secessionist groups, noting that “those who say Nigeria would break up do not know what they are talking about.”

Sanusi, however, said criticisms about the manner the country is being governed would continue because “we truly love Nigeria.”
He said the greatest lesson he has learnt in life is that it is great to be a Nigerian. “We will keep Nigeria together. If we complain, it is because we love it,” he said.

He added that proceeds of the book launch would be channeled to his cause on educating the girl child in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). “The money would be channeled to a trust fund that is looking at raising $2 million in the next five years to fund the cause.”
   
He lamented that many young girls finish secondary education but lack the support to proceed to higher institutions. He said the society should be able to provide the required support.
   
CEO of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, said effort to raise the money was on course and that response is overwhelming. Sanusi’s successor, Godwin Emefiele, who led the fund-raising, commended the cause and informed that the Bankers’ Committee had agreed on what it would do. Emefiele said the government cannot do everything and appealed to Nigerians to support the cause.

(The Guardian)