There was a time, I was ranked with under developed nations
of the world. There is no need to dissipate
energy on this. Thereafter, I was classified
amongst developing nations. You may wish to note
that some of the developing nations are now
competing with developed Countries in terms of
Industrial and technology advancement e.g.
India, China, Iran just to mention a few but
till date I cannot provide adequate power supply
talk-less of refining some of the solid minerals
bestowed on me for the benefit of my people. Why
should my people import common tooth pick?
After taking on the mantle of leadership my dear Goodluck, I
am sure you will not ask me for experience
because you’ve gotten enough. Let’s take it from
the first republic, Ideas from Alh. Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa , Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr.
Nnamdi Azikwe and Chief Anthony Enahoro might
well be adequate enough to see you through. As
well, a little experience from the success and
the shortcomings of our former President whose
tenure broke the jinx of telecommunication
predicament encountered by Nigerians could help.
Imagine the backwardness I would have
experienced if we still have to rely on NITEL.
How about Lagos State where the Governor talk
less but embarked on overwhelming or massive
developmental projects.
Did you know that developed countries of the world are
envious of my geographical standing because
natures bequeath me with diverse natural
resources, various solid minerals which remain
untapped and mixture of ethnic group with common
goals of a united Nigeria. Remember, I do not
experience natural disaster such as earthquake,
tsunami, volcanic eruption, hurricane or related
tragedy except disasters caused by men due to
socio-cultural aggrandizement and bad communal
leadership which I simply refer to as national
disasters. Have you pondered why leaders who
ought to be elder statesmen keep playing the
roles of god-father? Political cream of the crop
should assume roles of elder statesmen for
economic, technology and political growth.
Probing into my past till this moment that I am celebrating
my golden jubilee, I have not enjoyed democratic
political stability this far, so why won’t you
step-up actions with your good luck and avail me
solutions to some of the following contentious
issues as my birthday gifts:-
Anti-graft war:
You have to be unbiased on this issue and
compromise might be total disappointment not
only to Nigerians but to Africa and the world in
general. The already established anti-graft
agencies need to be strengthened and should be
autonomous as well. These agencies need to
collaborate with financial institutions,
Corporate Affairs Commission to effectively
combat corruption. Information technology
tracking will be a useful tool for future
anti-corruption challenges.
Improved power generation and Stable power
supply to my people:
This will enhance their economic strength. The
small and medium scale enterprises will
flourish, large scale industries will enjoy
economic of growth as a result of reduction in
cost of production and it will impact on gross
domestic product. This will also guide against
shut down of plants and migration of industries
which we are presently experiencing.
Electoral Reform Cum Free & Fair election: The advocacy that the retired Justice Mohammed Uwais Committee
recommendations be adopted with modest
amendments should be strongly considered. The
Independent National Electoral Commission must
conduct fresh voters’ registration as so many of
my people were disenfranchised during the last
election.
The 7 point agenda is cherished and needed to be guided
jealously for continuity purposes but for my
golden jubilee celebration let us strive to
achieve the itemized which may serve as a
springboard for the growth of my people and
improve my status in the comity of Nations.
Happy 50th Independent Anniversary celebration
Nigeria.
Contributed by: Olugbenga Oresajo
agooresajo@yahoo.com
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