In the resonant paraphrasing words of an Ogoja Son, the late Dr. Mathias Ofoboche, former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, ........Nigeria’s greatest adversary is not merely external forces, but the mental shackles of colonial mentality and the pervasive grip of mental slavery. Three centuries ago, our ancestors were coerced into selling their kin into slavery for a pittance. Today, though the chains are invisible, Nigerians continue to trade the nation’s honor and riches for foreign loans and grants, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment.
Nigeria is a nation brimming with potential, a giant not just in size but in wealth. Just like Alhaji Shehu Shagari once aptly noted that Nigeria is “sitting on a keg of oil” that will never dry up. To this vast oil reserve in the Niger Delta, we can now add gold in Zamfara and a multitude of other globally required money-spinning, very high quality solid minerals in most parts of Nigeria. With such abundance of resources, Nigeria has the intrinsic capacity to dominate the world’s economy—if only we put our thoughts and actions together.
This vision is the very foundation of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to awaken the dormant giant, turning our vast resources and vibrant populace into undeniable strengths. However, regaining our true status as an economic powerhouse is not a journey without obstacles. We stand against internal and external cabals who continually strive to keep us subjugated for their selfish gain. Recently, we are waking up to the reality of these forces continued oppression of our nation and the continent of Africa. Orchestrating the seizure of our Presidential Airforce 1 Jets, exploiting our environments, and exacerbating insecurity. Concurrently, these externally induced menace has insighted our youth, the bedrock of our future, into revolting against hunger and hardship, rather than embracing dialogue and constructive engagement for the rejig of failed policies and demand for equal appointment of youths as deputies in leadership positions in core sectors, so they can fulfil a succession plan to secure a Nigeria of our dream. Discourage the popular japa syndrome and brain drain. All these are symptoms of a nation failing to harness its potential.
In this critical juncture, we cannot afford to fragment and be divided. It is time for Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to rise above sectional differences and unite under the banner of national resurgence. We must come together to support the Renewed Hope Agenda, working collectively to extricate Nigeria from the grip of external manipulation and set ourselves on a path to true sovereignty and prosperity.
So, what must we do?
1. Solidarity and Support: First and foremost, Nigerians must rally behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, understanding that his vision embodies our collective aspirations. Solidarity is strength; in unity, we will find the power to overcome external and internal adversities.
2. Economic Self-Reliance: We must move beyond the dependence on foreign grants and loans. Nigeria’s wealth lies in its soil, water and its people. By investing in homegrown industries, fostering innovation, and prioritizing sustainable economic practices, Agriculture and food security, we can chart a course towards true economic independence.
3. Empowering Youths: Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the actual active changemakers of today. Empowering them through human capital development, quality education, skills development, meaningful employment and a corruption free leadership training is crucial. Their energy, creativity, and resilience are the catalysts for a prosperous future. Imagine a nation with a President who is in his 70s and a Vice President between 35 - 45 years of age. A Governor at 50 and above, his Deputy should be from 30 to 45 years. A "category A" Minister in his 50th - 70th should have a Minister of State between 30 - 40 years of age. These deputies are undoubtedly in the school of leadership, understanding the core government policies, value and delivery strategies within the sub-National, National and International developments and trade relations.
4. Robust Security Measures: Ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians is paramount. A secure environment is a fertile ground for development and growth. Encouraged Intelligence gathering, strengthening our command centres, defense mechanisms and fostering community vigilance can mitigate insecurity. Recalling that the major downline non-state actors are youths. Therefore, create realistic, non deceptive behavioural change communication and enlightenment programs for talented yahoo boys, local IEDs, arms and ammunition producers to turn their negative energies to positive legitimate and legally protected profit ventures.
5. Combatting External Influence: It’s imperative to confront and dismantle the networks of external cabals that seek to exploit our resources and undermine our progress. Diplomatic strength, strategic alliances with true friends of Nigeria, and leveraging our position in global forums can counteract these adverse influences.
In conclusion, the promise of Nigeria is boundless, but realizing this promise demands collective effort and an unwavering commitment to national integrity. Can the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR attempt to study the development agenda of the late President Umar Musa Yar'adua? It was working before his untimely demise. Let us heed the wisdom of our forebears like Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Dr. Mathias Ofoboche etc and embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu. Together, we can redefine our narrative, reclaim our sovereignty, and steer Nigeria towards a future of prosperity and global dominance. Today is the day to unshackle ourselves from mental slavery, to rise together, and to make Nigeria great again.
Rise, Nigerians, rise. The future is ours to create.
Scripted by:
Chris Njah Mbu-Ogar
Abuja, Nigeria.
17/08/2024.
Comments
Post a Comment