Saturday, October 30, 2010

Nigeria and International Donors: The World Bank, UNDP, the EU, etc

The usefulness of the international support, particularly from international donors/aid agencies (e.g. the World Bank, the UNDP, the UNIDO, the British Council, etc) to Nigeria cannot be overstressed.

A review of the strategic plans as well as programmes/projects of these organizations regarding Nigeria shows the level of goodwill and commitment these agencies have in the Nigerian project.

In order to enhance the effectiveness and results of the interventions of these agencies, particularly as it relates to the socio-economic vis-a-vis political development of Nigeria, I am advocating that more attention be directed towards economic empowerment programmes infused with political and constitutional awareness programmes for the citizens of Nigeria.

As the 2011 general elections approaches, the need for the approach advocated herein, will be greatly manifested. In Nigeria, it is not uncommon for crowds to be rented for political or other purposes by giving these poor citizens tokens of money. If the poor masses are willing to be rented for these tokens of money, whereas, they can be empowered to earn well over US$25 per day (by empowering them to start and run their own businesses, successfully, in addition to providing them with the awareness and tools regarding their constitutional righs), Nigeria will go a long way in making leaders reconnect with the citizenry because, they would not take them for granted.

This is one of the fundamental needs of the Nigerian citizenry.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Nigeria that all Nigerians need

Without a shadow of doubt, Nigeria has what it takes to be among the 20 leading economies in the world in the next 10 years.

I dream of a Nigeria where the leaders will completely fulfil their primary constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens.

I dream of a Nigeria where basic amenities are completely provided for all and sundry.

Citizens and friends of Nigeria, let us make this happen in the next 10 years.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.