STRIPPING OFF OUR PRECIOUS GARMENT


Gone were the days when Nigerians could hardly afford three square meals; we complained, managed it and hoped that one day we would have a better life. Today, Nigerians were struggling to eat two square meals... all in the name of our insincere leaders who have ruled us since Nigeria became a republic. 


Twenty-four presidents had ruled right from the President. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa from 1960 till the present administration of President Asiwaju Bola Hamed Tinubu, who was once a senator in the 2nd republic and a former Lagos state governor. I don't think that someone could be so opportune to enjoy the precious garment of a nation than this... Likewise, all other leaders that had ruled/served our dear nation for over six decades. 


I can relate this action to a father who is living a life he desires but keeps urging, encouraging, and preaching hope to his/her children for a better tomorrow while not providing a plan for their future! The children keep struggling and wallowing in poverty while the unconcerned father flamboyantly spends, eats, attending to other unnecessary issues all over the world. Dear friends, what can we call this type of father? 


Stripping off our precious garment can be categorised and referred to as being "Removing or stripping away something valuable or essential (the garment) that protects or covers us". Nigeria is bleeding; people were dying while children were crying and crying the day they were born because they felt the heat more than their parents. 


Some Nigerian children are turning beggars gradually while parents are also feeding from hand to mouth.


According to the World Bank analysis, Nominal earnings have not kept up with inflation, pushing another 10 million Nigerians into poverty in 2023. Based on World Bank projections, about 40.7 per cent of Nigerians are estimated to live below the international poverty line by the end of 2024.


This is just the World Bank projection, dear friends; with all honesty, 40.7% will rise ambiguously before the end of 2024 if proper action is not taken. Nigerians cannot survive with these harsh policies; the masses are the ones paying for it, while the leaders keep acquiring wealth for themselves. How on earth can we survive with these dear executives?


According to Statista: 

Number of people living in extreme poverty in Nigeria from 2016 to 2025


As of 2022, an estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria lived in extreme poverty, with the poverty threshold at 1.90 U.S. dollars a day. This stood as an increase from the previous year when around 86.7 million people lived in the said state of poverty. The headcount was expected to maintain the rising trend by 2025 when over 93.7 million Nigerians might live on a maximum of 1.90 U.S. dollars per day. 


I'm afraid the majority of Nigerians will be able to put food on the table over time if this economic instability continues.   

These are the likely consequences of these unfriendly policies:


The likely results of harsh policies by the Nigerian government include increased poverty, illiteracy, and societal unrest. 


• Economic Instability: Harsh policies can exacerbate economic hardship, leading to increased poverty and inequality.

• Social Unrest: The #ENDSARS protests against police brutality in 2020 demonstrate how harsh policies can spark widespread unrest and mobilize citizens against the government.

• Decline in Trust: Harsh policies can erode public trust in institutions, making it challenging to address systemic issues like corruption and insecurity.

• Human Rights Abuses: Restrictive policies can lead to human rights violations, further undermining the rule of law and democratic principles.

• Brain Drain: Talented individuals may seek opportunities elsewhere, depriving Nigeria of essential skills and expertise.


To mitigate these effects, Nigeria needs a governance system that prioritizes knowledge, competence, and civic education. This could involve:


• Epistocratic Governance: A system where leadership is based on expertise and informed decision-making.

• Civic Education: Integrating civic education into school curriculums to empower citizens and promote informed participation.

• Accountable Leadership: Ensuring leaders are accountable to citizens and prioritize national prosperity.


To address Nigeria's governance challenges, a multifaceted approach must be taken that addresses the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social unrest.


Let us all crave for a better Nigeria.

Happy New Month! 



Afolayan Gbenga 


YORUBA HERITAGE

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