Bayo Fasuwon

 Many eyes are on the calendar, and the sight of the Moon signifies the gradual folding of the year. As Nigerians, we have been configured to think that we are the worst of the Earth. The myriads of challenges facing the ordinary average person have closed our minds to the beauty of our natural environment, and the good times we had experienced in the year. We are eagerly waiting for the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to Daura, and the warm embrace of his family and livestock. On his side, the President has unwittingly begun the presentation of his departure speech.

However, the reign has not all been from ‘top to bottom’ experience. We are all witnesses to the fact that under this regime, the trains have eased inter-state transportation. It is however unfortunate, that on the same train, Nigerians were kidnapped and subjected to horrendous experiences in the hands of their abductors. Quite unfortunately, and quite recent too, a female staff of the NTA was crushed to death when a train collided with her vehicle. It was an avoidable tragedy. We must also recall that although Anthony Joshua lost his belt, and the Super Eagles failed to fly, yet Tobi Amusan gave us joy in Sports. Farmers, with their ‘largesse’ from government have been able to put food on the table of money, irrespective of the fact that many Nigerians are hungry. Shall we not rejoice at the opening of the second Niger Bridge, most especially to the advantage of some who had branded Nigeria a Zoo? Let us lay aside the fact that many of our roads are not vehicle worthy and had claimed the lives of many, we now have a bridge that would foster national integration and facilitate inter-region trade.

On the promise of leaving a more secured nation, shall we not applaud the reduction in the cases of terrorist attacks, and Nigeria’s prompt response to foreign alerts of local terrorist attacks? Even if the new mints have been described as ‘coloured’ currencies, less attractive and not in circulation, we can as well applaud the fact that Government started a policy, and we could see its full implementation. Does it really matter if Godwin Emefiele’s pontification about our economic circumstances defies logic and better economic responses to inflation; we sure have a new mint, and a magic wand of hoarding cash for national development and economic acceleration. Shall we also not rejoice that the ASUU eight-month-old strike was suspended on floating agreements and consequent demonstrations by members of the University and even by the new breakaway but government recognized factions? Students are back to learning while their tutors are expectedly dishing out the best of their knowledge, howbeit on empty stomach. Now, the United Kingdom has opened wide her gates for the inflow of Nigerian teachers into their education sector.

Before we vent out our anger at the fact that brain drain is imminent, let us look at the other side of the curtain. Now, as teachers leave, more opportunities would be created for the employment of numerous unemployed Nigerians on the street. Alternatively, is there an insinuation that government would not replace the escaping teachers, increase the workload of the dutiful ones, to reduce government’s spending in an ‘unproductive’ sector? Unlike Doctors who left in droves and jeopardised the health of many Nigerians, would the relocation of trained and experienced teachers really matter? Especially, when their wards could become future Busayo Saka or even emerge as the British Prime Minister, in years to come. Who knows whether these ‘escapees’ with their Diaspora trainings would return one day and rebuild this nation.

Let us for once cease to ask; if there is hope for this nation in years to come? We are the hope of this nation. The change we seek lies in us, and awaits our determination and industry to bring them forth. Let us start by ensuring a change of mindset. For example, there is a huge difference between going to work, and working. Many Nigerians are good at the former but deliberately fail at the later. As the Moon begins to set on this year, there is the need for retrospect and self-rebirth. What do you think would happen if every worker conscientiously performs his or her assigned duty lawfully? Democracy is participatory. WE should all participate by giving necessary information to the appropriate quarters on any subject, and the State must learn to manage, articulate, and use such information for the development of the nation and her peoples. Concealing information on available minerals in local governments, would only promote illegal mining and loss of national revenue. Participation should not always lay on the platform of criticism. Criticism without an offer of solution is more of felony than nation building. It is time we offer solutions to societal problems, starting from our streets.

Participation now would include making the right decisions on who leads this nation. Right now, there are many PVCs praying for collection. Many going about debating about political parties and candidates, even to frenzy, unfortunately do not have PVCs, and thus would not vote. Some have automatically disenfranchised themselves from contributing to the choice of good leaders. Even among those that would vote, are those who would not participate wholeheartedly in the choice of Lawmakers, forgetting that a viable Legislator would give Executives the needed laws and checks to achieve good governance. Your votes matter let us vote right.

As we seek to close the chapter of 2022, let us work together, arise, and build this nation together. If our leaders can give us a nation where things work, foreign countries would not be a lure to our bright brains and industrious hands. The outgoing President and incoming political leaders should love this country in truth, deeds, and spirit. They should all know that Nigerians are more enlightened to demand for good governance. These demands should not be interpreted as anti-government movements, but rather a revolutionary move for a better Nigeria. So fix power, fix education, fix the oil sector, fix security, pay workers on time and appropriately. Then, see the wonders that can be achieved by a willing followership. All shall be well.