12 WAYS TO MAKE NIGERIA A BETTER PLACE
(PART 1)

In indentifying the way forward for our dear nation, it is necessary that whilst avoiding the extremes of optimism and pessimism, we begin to look at practical and realistic pathways to go forward. These pathways would entail taking initiative rather than passing the buck and looking inwards to think creatively rather than soliciting help from where a positive response is unlikely especially because of selfish interests and in the face of public corruption.
It makes sense to posit that if public officials are indeed corrupt, the answer to the nation’s problems especially from a radical and rapid point of view is most likely not with them. This is not because they lack the basic knowledge needed to bring about positive change but because they lack the moral and political will to do so. He who has soiled his hands cannot wash a dirty garment without making it worse. I am sure you know at least one or two individuals that have not only soiled their hands but have also soiled their hitherto upheld and good names. We sure cannot trust these ones with the much needed change we so much desire.

This article is not for them. It is for a set of people that are different and committed to the cleansing work. By being prodded, encouraged, informed, directed and empowered, this crop of people can represent the change that our nation cries out for. I only hope that by reading this piece you would join that group and quickly too. I really would love to drive to work from the Mainland to the Island in less than 30 minutes, to never set my eyes on a generator apart from in a national museum and not bother about travelling abroad for a degree because universities at home can compete with any all over the world. I have identified a couple of ways by which Nigeria can become a better place. I hope that you would be responsible for at least one of them.

Promoting alternative sources of energy: It is time we promote alternative sources of energy for our nation. Despite the change of name PHCN has remained a mess. Over 2 decades of living in the nation, I am yet to see 24 hours of electricity. For those who understand change, it only comes when something changes. With the wave of corruption going higher, leaving the wave of change to corrupt officials could only prove futile. It would be better to produce that change ourselves or source for it elsewhere. Solar and wind energy are alternative sources of electricity that could provide useful alternatives. With these sources of energy, power generation, supply and distribution can shift from corrupt hands to sincere ones. It would shift from public office to private companies and individual homes.
 It would be helpful if banks can help relieve the burden of paying for these sources of energy by having payment plans that cover a convenient stretch of time for end users. It would also be helpful if engineers and entrepreneurs can provide these alternatives and products at an attractive cost for residential and commercial purposes. If engineers can design more affordable cars, laptops, phones and homes, I am certain that they can apply their knowledge to sourcing alternative cost effective sources of energy for the majority of Nigerians.   

Promoting Entrepreneurship:  One of the reasons behind civil unrest, unemployment and insecurity is the lack of employment opportunities. Though employment creation is dependent on investor attraction and local production, present day economic realities such as rural-urban migration, population density and failure of government show the need for more creative thinking. In truth, the underlying philosophy of education as a route for employment and employment as a route for wealth has been shown to be faulty.
Entrepreneurship on the other hand, holds the promise of both self employment and job creation providing solutions and opportunities for wealth. It would afford youths better use of hitherto wasted years sourcing admission to tertiary institutions to no end. It would help youths maximize the time lost whilst waiting for youth service posting or spent roaming the streets for dream jobs that never seem to come or come too few for the masses in search of them. 

Soliciting the help of the Diaspora: If Nigerian professionals are recording exploits all over the world, similar results can be made at home. Though local situations and environments can be challenging and frustrating, the Diaspora must recognize that nothing significant can be achieved on the platform of convenience. The idea that there would always be greener pastures to run to in the face of challenging situations at home is indeed not sustainable. Though love might seem to abound, when space or provision becomes unavailable, it becomes easy to differentiate a stranger from a resident. The assumed perpetual encouraging environment in other countries has been shown to be under pressure with the global economic meltdown across America and Europe.
With an untapped market and a huge market base, Nigeria on the other hand provides a ground for useful intervention and collaborative effort in terms of education, healthcare, car assembly, power generation and local production economic opportunities.  One of the first set of people that should realize this and indeed first of all benefit from these is the Diaspora. If MTN, DSTV and Kentucky Fried Chicken can be positive and enterprising, why can’t we?

Sourcing alternatives to national revenue: The discovery of crude oil in Nigeria amongst its benefits has exposed the rot within our public sector and the lack of creativity to create other sources of revenue. Though oil wealth has its merits, it can lead to a drop in development indexes as machinery replaces human personnel and when monies realized are diverted as in our nation’s case it leads to a downward trend. On the other hand, countries that parade several products and revenue channels are more equipped to rise to global prominence. In no particular order United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Brazil, China, India and South Africa are a few examples.  Having more reliable means of income is always better than having less. 

In Nigeria, tourism, arts and culture, agriculture, manufacturing, fashion and sports are all areas of attention that can make the nation proud and her citizens happy. Asides asking for government intervention or assistance, for instance can’t we come together and strategically by becoming solution providers put a stop to the importation of rice? Can we not develop tourist spots that can favourably outclass the Gambias, Ghanas and South Africas of this world? South Africa for instance is home to high levels of crime but still attracts a mammoth crowd in terms of business and tourism. 

The question is not “Can’t we?” but “Why haven’t we?” Tinapa is a beauty to behold. Lagos is surrounded by beaches. Anambra and Aba are booming with business prospects that can go a step higher with more coordination and partnership. With all the unrest, corruption, pollution and the threat of lower levels of demand because of emerging energy alternatives, I think it is time we started looking elsewhere. Part of that elsewhere is looking away from government as in truth the government represents just a little portion of us. If so, we the rest and majority can do something much better. At least as hitherto complaint experts hopefully turned solution providers would at the end of this change be better for it.