Winning the Anti-Corruption War in Nigeria

One of the fundamental approaches needed to win the anti-corruption war in Nigeria remains the provision of information to the citizenry regarding the workings of government (i.e. the constitution, budgets, operational procedures) as well as equipping them with tools they can use.

This is a clarion call to all international agencies - including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), etc- funding programmes in Nigeria in the area of anti-corruption in Nigeria to more effectively integrate this perspective in their work.

Agriculture and Nigeria's Vision 2020

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

Against this backdrop, the federal government of Nigeria recently launched an Agricultural Transformation Action Plan (ATAP).

I am calling on all stakeholders in Nigeria including farmers groups, civil society organizations as well as international agencies including the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to support the Nigerian government move to strengthen the Agricultural sector, particularly as it relates to theaAccountability and good governance imperatives of the ATAP.

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.

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.

The Nigerian 2011 General Elections and Vision 20:2020

Nigeria has a vision to be among the 20 leading economies in 2020. Consequently, strategies have been mapped out in this direction.

The need for sincere and credible political leaders as well as credible elections in achieving this dream cannot be over-stressed.

Accordingly, I was over-joyed when the Nigerian government appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega as the chairman of Nigeria's electoral umpire - the INEC.

Consequently, I am calling on citizens of Nigeria as well as friends of Nigeria across the globe to support Prof Jega and the INEC and ensure that every vote counts.

If we do not get the 2011 elections rights, believe me, it would be a grave setback for the Vision 20:2020 of Nigeria