NIGERIA AT 54

Nigeria is 54 years old today. Opinions have been split on whether it calls for celebration or not. I’m completely indifferent about birthday’s and celebrations so my opinion is divided on that. However, it is instructive to lay the facts bare.

54 years after, Nigeria remains an unfulfilled potential. Largely dependent on oil, declining educational system, increasing unemployment, neck deep in corruption. Constant electricity remains a dream.

On the other hand, our electioneering has really improved in recent times, railways are gradually being eased back to the society, mortality rate has improved from 47 years to 52 years. We have continued to remain relevant in the world of sports. Our agriculture has improved tremendously and as a result, food importation has reduced significantly. While Nigeria is not at the global level technologically, we are making giant strides, at least in the software development sector. A significant number of government activities have been automated in a bid to end bureaucracy, ensure transparency and curb corruption. One big beneficiary can be found in our ports: the automation has ensured goods are cleared on time and that has translated to a lot more revenue for the government.

I think Nigeria is in a very delicate situation. Leadership, it is said, is a reflection of her followers. So while it is easy to point hands at the leaders as responsible for our failures, it is difficult to see how many followers would have done any better. Nigeria is currently headed in the wrong direction. It is difficult to see us making a U-turn any time soon. I have thought endlessly of concrete steps that can be taken to improve our situation. Major problem has been itemizing and prioritizing them. I will trying doing so over the next 30 days.

For Nigeria to attempt to head in the right direction, our cost of governance must be cut. I would recommend as high as 60%. Money is the attraction of politics in Nigeria and that’s why semi-educated people who have enough money to fund campaigns (and bribe their way through) are in power today. I believe that once that money is taken out the picture, only people with genuine interest in service will step forward.

I find it difficult to take any public office holder serious with the amount of money they earn. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I can’t reconcile their earnings and the fact that they are in office for service.

I belong to the school of thought that all public office holders should have their children school in the country. May I add also, they must get all their medical welfare taken care of right here in Nigeria.

After deep thought, I feel electricity should the first thing any serious thinking government should tackle head-on. It’s a little bewildering that we haven’t been able to get electricity right in this country. The problems electricity will solve in this country are endless: manufacturing, telecoms, small and medium scale enterprises, education, health care. I know you can add more to the list.

What problems do you think electricity could solve in Nigeria? DO you think electricity is not of utmost priority right now? What do you think takes precedence?

I WANT TO START WRITING AGAIN

I want to start writing again. I feel I have the ability to be a good writer. I have continued to procrastinate the issue of resuming my writing for years. Procrastination is evil. I have made excuses. Genuine and flimsy. The nature of my job hasn't given me the freedom to read, and write. I believe reading and writing goes hand in hand. My reading habit has plummeted and as such I'm not surprised that i have found writing tedious.

Thanks to Jeff Goins,  I have taken up a challenge to write everyday for the next 31 days. Considering I have consciously written, say 5 times in the last 3 years makes it a really tall order. 

Challenges drive me however. Goals inspire me. Having some form of physical, mental or emotional rewards in sight fuels my desire. 

I like satire. Unfortunately I take life too seriously to write satire. One of my favourite writers is Steve Nwosu. I enjoy write-ups on this blog a lot. I would like to write like these people for a start. 

For the next 31 days I will be writing on any topic. Based on my interests my write-ups will vary between music, politics, sports, technology. Maybe a little lifestyle if I get into the groove (or I genuinely run out of topics). 

I think I write best when under pressure to deliver or when deadlines approach. I recall my concession speech after I lost the presidential elections of my department. I wrote it in under 15 minutes and it was so well written that my opponents swore I had written it even before the results were out. 

Jeff is about to change all that though. He recommends you have a set time and place where you write regularly. He says over time it becomes a habit. I believe him. I will settle for a time as the 31 days roll along. As for place, I'm not so sure. I am writing this on my Evernote app while making purchases in the market. 

Twitter has exposed me to a lot of sound writers. The intellect on twitter keeps me constantly marvelled. I silently respect some tweeps and look forward to their posts. I also randomly stumble on articles and admire the work put in.

I believe I would get there, with constant practice. 

Jeff expects us to write a minimum of 500 words per day. I think I can conveniently achieve that. It's the consistency I'm a little worried about. I will give it my best shot though.
He says we should not edit too. Just write. I am trying to follow the rules religiously even though I am already tempted to make some structural changes to this piece.

I am currently taking this challenge with Abisola Jegede. She blogs here. You should take a look at her very first piece. Can you guess who she is talking about?

You can sign up too if you are interested. We can share our blog posts with each other.