A NEW NIGERIA BECKONS

 “All we have are jingle fallacy of a giant with great strides.”

 Greatness remains a mirage, as our nation resides among Frontier economies rather than Emerging or with the BRICS. Our inability to fuel impactful socio-economic development ensures this classification.’ Such is our fate and projection, what an uncertainty principle! Our country is retrogressing; social media not promoting socio-emotional learning, society likewise promoting bias as against cooperate existence.

 

Federal Character versus Competence

The Nation newspaper on August 20 2015 had this bold headline, “Between Federal Character and Competence.”Every decision to be taken must first be subjected to the monster called federal character; such is the situation we have found ourselves. Thought federal character was established for equity and fairness; guess I was wrong, as it has succeeded in producing mediocrity and more divides, benefitting only the rich elites.

Competence has become an impediment that we sacrifice on the altar of federal character. The nation is in need of competent hands to rejuvenate it from a near comatose state she is in.  Harmonious co-existence is imperative in multi-ethnic and cultural country like ours and one of the ways in achieving this requires identifying competent individuals from all states/regions to institutionalize structural reform in every sector.

Corruption versus Nation building

Corruption has been defined as a blazing abuse of position/situation for a personal gain. It is so prevalent in our society that its impulse has succeeded in derailing or stalling our development and progress. It continues to spread to every corner and every citizen, becoming an unabated wildfire without quenchable means.

Sacrifice is the only hope to reshaping a battered country. Nation building is a collective responsibility mirrored by exemplary leadership and developmental principles. Institutions for fostering legitimate and sustainable development should be our priority. Enough of paper work and mouth diarrhea; let us usher in capacity development and resource mobilization, welfare services and programs, productivity and peaceful co-existence.

‘We have to create systems that spur nation building.’ Curbing corruption require a political will hinged on a strong democratic institution, judicial reforms, and policy redesign and prompt decision-makers, open government data and a service re-orientation in the public sector.

 

 

 

Insurgency versus Education

In the course of finding answers I came across an article written by Lt. Col James S. Corum –“Fighting Insurgents-No shortcut to success.” Gradual spread of Insurgency has resulted in large number of death, with abduction of many children and women who are the most vulnerable. The Chibok girls’ abduction leaves us livid.

How did we get here? A collection of like- minded individuals started a movement called Boko-Haram (West Education is a sin) which soon snowballed into a large organizational network of believers with an ideology inimical to cooperate existence of a people and country. Though, some among are educated but blinded by hate resulting from a deprived and lest opportune society. What drives and motivate them? One will tend to believe their quest for power or subjective opinions.

Our answers are enshrined in qualitative education; learning, un-learning and re-learning. For Nigeria to transcend its incapacities, she must invest in revolutionary educational reform as well as implement strategic developmental programs hinged on multi-faceted approach laden with entrepreneurship drive.

Social/Political Awareness versus Responsibilities and Idealism

Democracy is sustained by citizens who have requisite knowledge, skills and disposition and are willingly fulfilling their responsibilities. Nigeria’s scenario is much of an anomaly, with no reflection of civil education and idealism shattered in the way people act. Rather a herd practice hidden under power and supposed political sagacity. No meaningful engagements, all we see are activism with zero advocacy or false/blind idealism.

‘History has a way of turning man into convenient myths.’- Martin Luther King Jr.

We need to start igniting the minds and heart of citizens toward positive change and lifestyle through a concrete roadmap. Marching words with action is the key to life, progress, cooperate existence and Nation building.

God-Fatherism versus Youth Empowerment

Politics by selection has relegated the youth to the background. Our future leaders are being objectified as instrument of violence and mere mouth piece of political god-fathers. This menace is a perversion of an initiative to empower unemployed young people and has criminalized the largest voting and working population. It mirrors the grid that hold us down; boosting the ego of God-fathers’ while hindering the young persons from governance.

We are on a road to perdition if not arrested now, the solution lies in the empowerment of our youth through attitudinal, structural and cultural processes which enables them gain the ability, authority and agency to make decisions as well as implement changes. It is not going to be easy but doable. Addressing all unethical and unhealthy behaviors that limit such roles is the right path. Depth and capacity development is a must. Seed of hope needs to be planted, watered and nurtured for a new nation with a notable positive ideology and lifestyle that empowers all.

Redundancy versus National Planning

“Person that fails to plan is already planning to fail.”- Unknown

News around us is an indication for increased sense of urgency and momentousness.

Are we prepared? Sustainable developmental goals have been enumerated as indicators for growth in any society. Proper Planning, ability to predict in advance by observing trends through scenario analysis would forecast the future and prevent damages so as to move our nation forward.

A nation fighting itself and without meaningful positive projection, cannot produce an enviable brand.

There is the need for real improvement.

There is need for a healthier nation.

It is achievable through attitudinal change.

“Image is everything”

My dear, a New Nigeria beckons.

 

 

Fiyin Tubi

Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates