Keeping hope alive, as we prepare to celebrate the Nation’s 64th Independence anniversary celebration, by Kola Amzat
This writer profoundly salutes the resilience, tenacity, equanimity, as well as die-hard spirit of fellow country men and women, as we, in a few days’ time, celebrate the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
All indications point out to a celebration that would not only be solemn, but, also more of sober reflection on account of myriads of challenges presently plaguing the nation.
Expectedly, the sensitive federal government have equally resolved to opt for low-key celebration in response to the mood of nation.
Yes! Nigerians are battling with spiral inflation across board, an undesirable economic mishap making non-sense of their purchasing power!
Yes! The price of PMS, Nigeria most important product, is going out of hand, as it’s becoming un-affordable to the generality of Nigerians–households and business concerns, thus disrupting the economic activities across the country!
Yes! Strategic locations particularly in the North, are constantly under the siege of bandits, insurgents and kidnappers!
Nonetheless, there is cause to celebrate the atmosphere of peace and tranquility pervading across the country. Despite challenges, the country territorial integrity remains impregnable.
It’s also instructive to note that, in recent times, there seems to have been a remarkable improvement in the relationship and co-existence amongst the diverse ethnic groups in the country, as mutual suspicion, mistrust and animosity appears waning.
For the avoidance of doubt, the economic challenges the nation is going through largely has its root from the global economic downturn.
Therefore, it would have been out of order if Nigeria alone is insulated from the fall-outs, considering that the country is a key player in the global economy.
Readers shouldn’t misconstrue me. The above submissions don’t suggest that government shouldn’t have engaged in problem-solving initiatives to ameliorate the populace conditions, as well as provide succor to generality of Nigerians.
But, it’s apparent that the nation wouldn’t have continued with the regime of petroleum subsidy, which was generally acknowledged as era of scam, with the then few members of oil cabal smiling to the banks with proceeds of ill-gotten several billions of Naira every month from the heavily subsidized PMS importation.
In the fullest time, history would vindicate the president for drawing the curtains on that ignoble era.
It’s also important to re-emphasize that floating the domestic currency with a view for it to finding its level in the market is an appropriate economic policy to take by any country desirous of genuine growth and development.
The president was in order to have also opted for this tough economic decision.
With respect to insecurity particularly in key locations in the North, the federal government have genuinely committed humongous resources running into trillions of Naira deployed to acquire all kinds of war equipment, including drones, with a view to neutralizing the scourge of banditry, insurgency and other criminalities in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of Independence Celebration, this writer passionately appeal to the president to devise ingenious and unorthodox channels of reaching out to millions of farmers across the country, with a view to availing them contemporary agriculture equipment and inputs, as well as further committing significant resources to Dams particularly in the North, all to ensuring staple foods are made available to generality of Nigerians and, at affordable prices.
On a related note, may be, the president should consider partially opening the nation borders with a view to allowing into the country, those agricultural produce that would not make mince-meat of the efforts of the federal government to empower local farmers, as well as frustrating the government spirited efforts to make agricultural sector a key segment to diversify the economy.
I also appeal to the president to deploy an executive fiat that would make PMS not only continually available, but also, reasonably affordable by the generality of Nigerians.
But, as we move to celebrate another Independence Anniversary, let me sound a note of warning to all Nigerians. This country remain our heritage; and, so, we’ve no other to call our own.
Relocating abroad for solace is defeatist! Sojourning abroad, technically groups Nigerians as second or even third class citizens.
Let no one be deceived, as well as living under illusion!
If you’re not of American descent, you’re not an American. If you’re not of Canadian heritage, that country would only accommodate you for a specific period. If you’re not of a British descent, you would never be a Briton and you’re not going to be allowed to sojourn there forever.
Without any iota of doubt, the task of re-building Nigeria is our collective responsibility and not for the government alone.
It’s therefore incumbent on all of us to start collaborating with government to ensure a virile, functional and prosperous nation.
Great nations across the globe where Nigerians relocate in search of better life surely had their very inglorious and horrendous past.
Their nationals at one time made a resolve to collaborate with their leaders, putting everything on line to re-build and reposition their heritage.
It’s in our interest to emulate these patriotic nationals, by start cultivating a new approach of patriotism, stoic resilience, loyalty and faithfulness to the cause of our country.
This is the only decent and respectable path to tread.
In advance, happy celebration to our dear nation, the president and his team, national assembly and their leadership, state governors and their teams, as well as more than 220 million Nigerian people.
Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)
Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,
09077509348.
