I am a Nigerian living in the diaspora who's benefited from the systems of a developed country.The United Kingdom to be precise.
Theirs is a systemic environment that amounts to economic and national productivity.They utilise to the maximum all of their resources both human and technical. There exist structured parastatal and provision of infrastructures and policies in place for the provision of basic amenities of life for its citizenry. Basic needs,such as constant power supply,good road networks,a functioning health care system,guaranteed basic education and affordability of food,housing though recently became a scarce commodity, could still be said to be provided for. There is security,law and order to a great extent even though these can still improve.
You have the facilities to aid and develop your potentials at any stage of life you are at.Eg that you have a criminal record, or an ex offender doesn't stop you from rebuilding your life.
As an entrepreneur, the banks are no respecter of persons,nor colour,but money generating ideas, as far as you have a viable business plan and a healthy credit history and can meet their other criteria,you can apply for loan facilities to stat up your business.
You can also search for funding from private or charitable organisations who are into humanitarian support,again they have guidelines and rules you may have to adhere to. Better still you can apply for some government grants available somewhere.
Before the global economic recession,you can almost be guaranteed of a job,though not every one could get a white collar job,it was still better than being idle. And if you had foresight,you as an individual have the absolute responsibility to plan and develop your strategy to reach the heights you so desire,God helping you, provided you are dedicated,focused,willing to pay the price and true to yourself.
All I have mentioned so far,is still a luxury to the ordinary people of my country Nigeria.
The government does not think it owes any of these, as its duty to the people. It is in fact the people that serve the government. This has been the trend of governance both under the military and the yearned democratic government Nigeria has had in its emerging 49years of independence .
Things have reached an endemic stage, Kidnapping is the new trend of making money, please it isn't a funny matter. Our youths have become hardened and are no longer innocent and unassuming,they are rather open eyed and daring. Talking about the latest issue of our young girls going nude all in the name of entertainment in strip clubs across Nigeria.
Education is now an expensive commodity, if you can purchase any of the high brand private universities admission,then you will get a prompt university education,If not you are sentenced to the never ending strikes of the state universities.Where the students,staff and all, undergo dehumanizing standard of living just to keep going.
Feeding is not about 3 square meals, nor a daily need,it has become "eat when you can find food affair", that could mean, days without food.
When it comes to health care,People tell me it is simply a case of "you dare not fall sick or otherwise!!! Self diagnosis and medication is rife.
The other side to this,is that it is on Nigeria epileptic roads that you will find the most expensive cars in the world, you name it.Choice homes in Nigeria,compete favourably with choice homes in counterpart places like Dubai and Hollywood to name a few.Obscenity is the order of the day in that country.The culture has become every man for himself.
I can go on and on about the problems facing us as a nation, but every single Nigerian knows what the problems are,and we also have the solutions. Just look around eg social network sites,such as face book parades many campaign groups,springing up,which is a good thing and a welcome phenomenon.But we mustn't just talk the talk alone. We must also be strategic and delivering.
The catalysts/agents/warriors of change are still not enough. Nigerians willing to sacrifice for the change are limited.
we cannot continue to leave things to chance any more. We cannot say it is the next man's responsibility and not ours individually.Or that we are not politicians,but we are Nigerians who aren't happy with the state of our nation,that is enough reason.
I am tired of saying, "e go better". "God will do it". I believe God has done it long time ago, look at the natural resources, the man power we are blessed with!
Every nation prides itself in its people,the people of America fought to see the change they have today.Have you heard that duet by Alicia keys and Jayz, "Empire state of mind" Americans are damn proud of their country to any extent.
Men ,women, both young and old, make up the face of the struggle for equality, freedom and unity of that nation.
They did not say "let us leave it to the politicians".
They demanded change from the politicians".
It should be the same in Nigeria.
Ladies and gentlemen, especially the young, we are the future generation,
Let us start demanding for the change we want. Let us not seat back any more,myself included.
Stand up to be counted.
Are you a Nigerian,a woman, a youth,are you passionate about the change for/of Nigeria? Then stand up,let your voice be heard. A change maker is a person with vision, drive, zeal,COMMITTED TO SEE THEIR NATION progress. It is not for the men alone,women too have something to contribute largely, we are stakeholders,we are nurturers, home makers, prayer warriors, do not let your desire for a better Nigeria be maimed by the saying
"Politics in Nigeria is dirty", Life is a risk, life is about nothing ventured nothing gained"
Stand up to be counted let us come together young Nigeria women and begin to use our maternal instincts and gifting to direct our nation in the right way it should go our nation needs us.
This is one of the many messages as a Nigerian in the diaspora that I took to the mega summit movement press interactive forum in Abuja,Nigeria recently."We are not folding our arms any longer, we will be actively involved from the diaspora in the nation building of our beloved country NIGERIA.
If you want to know more please send me an email at thinkingbee@gmail.com.
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