A write up encouraging active participation in the nations affairs using online technology to promote change. After studying how countries develop using the power of the masses especially with an enabling environment the time is ripe for Africa's giant to awake and fulfill its destiny.
"In the great fulfillment we must have a citizenship less concerned about what the government can do for it and more anxious about what it can do for the nation." Warren Harding (1916).
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” John F Kennedy (1961).
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Nigeria is a special country in Africa, with the largest population and economy it must fulfill its potential. March 28, 2015 was a crucial date in its destiny because on that day the people spoke loud and clear that it wanted a new direction for the country and that very loud voice was heard around the world.
As we draw closer to a new dawn in our national life it is important to educate ourselves and our people that what we have now is an opportunity to collectively improve our country. We must not leave the task to the government alone because it is too easy to underestimate the damage that has been done to the country since independence from Great Britain in 1960.
Let us recognize and commend the efforts of independent news media outlets like saharareporters for its role in the past few years in sustaining a vibrant online presence that is almost impregnable by the forces of corruption that has troubled our nation for so long. It is for the 99% of the population at home and in the diaspora that this national call is reaching out unto, every nation has its 1% meaning those who can afford the most expensive and luxury items and who don’t really need a responsible government because they have the government in their pockets.
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Nigeria has its own 1% and they tend to show up no matter who is in government and always operate under the creed ‘what is in it for me’, these are the real enemies of progress and we must collectively ensure that their influence is reduced if we want any tangible progress in the next four years. As ordinary citizens both at home and abroad what can we do to ensure that the momentum for progress and development is not truncated?
Here are my suggestions:
There are several independent pro-democracy agencies that organise rallies and matches for human rights issues ranging from the kidnapped chibok girls to advocacy for good governance in Nigeria. Let saharareporters spearhead the search for a strong and incorruptible agency, the agency must have at least one reputable and incorruptible lawyer on its board with a mandate to create a database of independent and patriotic Nigerians committed to progress and development in Nigeria.
It has been reported that there are over a million Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, only the good Lord knows the exact number of Nigerians living in the United States of America and Canada (where this writer lives) and Europe, Asia and the Middle East and even in other African Countries. If there is any common thread that unites us with those at home it is that every sensible Nigerian is yearning for a country that we can all be proud of.
Let this agency in conjunction with saharareporters establish a database with a list of Nigerians and projects that require urgent attention e.g. supply of humanitarian supplies to internally displaced individuals due to the terrorist attacks in the north.
Supply of closed circuit cameras mounted in strategic places around the country powered by off the grid solar units for crime reduction, prevention and detection. Funds and material support dedicated for enhanced police training to catch up with the best practises around the world.
You will be surprised at how much Nigerians can do collectively because God has blessed us with such a huge population. Let us use this to our advantage. In donating to projects that will be decided online by online voting using funds donated voluntarily online we can change our country for good.
Lastly there should be a maximum limit to what one individual can give e.g. $ 100 or whatever amount the board agrees to in a single calendar year recognizing that this is a non-profit venture purely aimed at creating a country we can all be proud of. The goal of such an agency is to get as many patriotic Nigerians involved in sustainable development and accept donations as little as possible geared towards improving our nation. If the database is large enough it may also be powerful enough in four years to influence the 2019 elections positively by ensuring that good governance becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Please send me your critical reviews because nobody has a monopoly of wisdom, we cannot rest or let our guards down as there is a lot of work to be done and the incoming government already has its hands full. Last but not the least it is important to declare that I am not a card carrying member of any party, just a citizen of Africa’s largest country who hopes for the best for the country.
Oluwabusuyi Ojo
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