The various sectors of the Nigerian economy have over the years been plagued by the dearth of skilled professionals due to brain drain, and this is responsible for the growing socio-economic and security crises in the country.

This is view of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), as contained in the communique of its summit held last Thursday at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme ‘Building Competence, Capacity and Character for Good Governance’.

According to the communique signed by APBN Oyo State General Secretary, Bldr. Wahab Akeem Bolaji, brain drain has negatively affected the quality of governance in the country.

Part of the communiqué said: “There is lack of character in the leading class and this has made some people of questionable character to be in the corridors of power. It was affirmed that political system in the country has over the years been characterised by dishonesty. This dishonesty, which is very phenomenal, has forced the governed not to have trust in the leading class, and politicians ruling different tiers of government are doing everything within their reach to be in power.

“This has led to a paradigm shift from the core provision of physical infrastructure to the currently, widely practised, stomach infrastructure, which stands as a major indicator that we are in a poverty-ridden society.”

Suggesting ways out, the team of panelists comprising Apostle Sunday Popoola Arc. Olatunji Bolu, Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu and Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, along with other discussants, called on Nigerian professionals to constantly update their knowledge base so as to avail themselves of the best practices in their areas of endeavour.

•Photo shows APBN National President, Bldr Bala Kaoje.