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I understand that in spite of the chronic underdevelopment of Nigeria and the unemployment among Nigerians – the quick-fix might not still be appealing to a lot of people in various spheres of life in Nigeria. However, the truth remains, in spite of what people think or say – and the truth prevails.
This article is not authorized by the Chartered Institute of Economists, although I am an Economist; neither is it authorized by the Government of Nigeria – as we all know that not much has come from the economic technocrats of the Nigerian Government; nor is it authorized by any of the Political parties or their affiliates. Instead, it is authorized by the Author of life and its meaning; the Author of nations and their economy; who was saying at some point that, “Silver and gold are mine, the cattle upon a thousand hills are mine…” At another instance, He said and Isaiah quoted Him in his book in Chapter 44:24, “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, who stretches out the heavens all alone, who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; who frustrates the signs of the babblers, and drives diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolishness; who confirms the word of His servant, and performs the counsel of His messengers;….”
I therefore write this short piece for the development of Nigeria and aggressive employment of Nigerians in the authority of His messenger. Nigeria is truly a great country, with many resources and potentials. But the reality is a large contrast, which suggests the need for an immediate external intervention for her economic and political rescue.
As we all know, many leaders and nations across the world have been lobbied and invited to be of help to Nigeria at this defining moment in our National history – while some have responded, some are promising, but still considering their options. However, we must note that when a player promises to help another player in a competition; the help will surely be for the ultimate interest of the helper. Therefore, the best assistance in any given competition must come from the judge of the players – Referee!
The King of Israel – David Jesse, spoke when his eyes were opened that, “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.” (Psalms 82:1) If that may help, only God’s intervention in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political menace should be sought and trusted by all Nigerians.
The Picture of Nigeria and Nigerians
“But this a people (nation) robbed and plundered; all of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prison houses; they are for prey, and no one delivers; for plunder, and no one says, “Restore!””. Isaiah 42:22
What a terrific picture! The underdevelopment of Nigeria of Nigeria is nothing but the robbery of our national treasury, treasures and the plundering of our corporate national destiny. If the truth must be told, the resources that some Nigerians in their 20s, 30s and 40s ought to use or enjoy for their economic emancipations are nothing but the current savings of some past politicians, military administrators in Nigeria. Hence, the fortunes of Nigeria’s future are made the financial investments of some few plunderers.
With a little research, we will discover that the economy of Nigeria is driven by the consumption patterns of public servants and civil servants. I have discovered that what some Nigerians call employment is nothing but gross underemployment. You see, people (men and women) in their prime productive and reproductive years are busy daily with nothing but newspapers reading and analysis, sports and politicians debates till evening when they close at “work” by 4pm. Nigerians drive from almost 4 hours daily from and to their offices – but with little or no productive activity. Some even say, “Whether the boss sells or not; the money of the servant must be complete.” If I may ask, how is the prison different from where some Nigerians are? A lot of people are happiest during weekends and the incessant national public holidays. Indeed, underdevelopment and unemployment are simply family friends.
In the book of Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus gave a parable about a vineyard and some idle unemployed people. When the vineyard owner was walking out, he saw some people ‘standing idle in the marketplace’; and he asked them why they were ‘standing idle in the marketplace’; they replied,“Because no one hired us!”
Although, the people got themselves hired; but their response was their greatest problem. I cannot forget the incidence that happened recently across Nigeria, when over 500, 000 Nigerians paid N1, 000 each a job (openings of less than 5, 000) at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); where around 20 job seekers lost their lives through mass stampede. If I may ask, why was the figure so high for NIS job? Could they all be passionate about securing Nigerian borders? Or were they planning to join the list of under-employed Nigerians in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Nigerian Government?
The people I was commenting about earlier, who were idle at the marketplace; represents the majority of job seekers in Nigeria – they just had this believe that somebody somewhere should employ them; they never understand the possibility of them employing others. I heard a story about the Chinese attitude in foreign countries. A Chinese said that they are different from the Americans or any other nation. He said, when a typical foreign national gets into a new nation, he or she begins to ask, how can I get a job?; but when a Chinese gets to a new place – he begins with how to set up a new business there.
Surely, as nations differ on their cultural dispositions or attitudes; they also differ on economic and political experiences; hence, a quick way of fixing the problem of underdevelopment and unemployment in Nigeria is by shifting our minds from ”It has never been done here” to “I can be the first to do this here”. Many women in Nigeria have sought solace in the Federal, State and Local Government Civil Service jobs; only to be burdened and saddened by their long-endured pregnancy of ideas or possibilities.
I therefore challenge you today to run a quick check on yourself, your dreams, your aspirations, your fulfillment and compare it with your fears, doubts and constraints. If your quick analysis was well done; then, you will wish for nothing else – but God’s idea for your life’s economic emancipation. If I may, the underdevelopment in Nigeria only stands for products, services, brands, books, patents, conglomerates, real estates, farms, factories, chambers, churches, NGOs, and marriages in the hearts and minds of every unemployed, underemployed, and misemployed Nigerian. Therefore, live out your dreams, begin it early enough – do not be carried away by insurgency talks and mere unnecessary political arguments – that is their own business – begin and face your own passion (business) with all your time, resources and commitment.
Live out your life, justify your living before God – fulfill your purpose – secure your life in the midst of adversity – avoid God’s recall – avoid untimely death – seek and stay with your God-given passion – start small, but grow steadily. Enjoy your life in the beauty of God’s glory on earth as a fulfilled Nigeria – whose trust is not in governments of men; but in God, who judges governments and the governed!
