Opinion

Voice of Emancipation: Transformation through Yoruba Nation (Pt. 4)

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2022

Eric

By Kayode Emola

In Part 2 of our current series, I discussed the necessity of adequate data management and how it can unlock a wealth of opportunities for Yoruba nation. For those who missed the previous article, or wish to review it again, here is the link: https://thebossnewspapers.com/2022/08/05/voice-of-emancipation-transformation-through-yoruba-nation-pt-2/

In order to build a progressive society, the welfare of each citizen must be paramount in all government plans. It must not be left to the general populace to individually devise their own survival strategies due to lack of government provision. Too frequently, Nigerians are willing to excuse the government’s mismanagement of the economy, leading to successive governments caring increasingly less for their citizens, and resultant underdevelopment.

A viable society requires some specific key ingredients. The primary focus ought to be on building up every person and family on an individual level. In practical terms, this would look like ensuring there are employment opportunities for everyone that are commensurate with their skills, ensuring there is adequate housing for the growing population, etc. Accomplishing this first step would single-handedly solve three-quarters or more of the problems in our society.

In many developed countries we can see how the government plays active role in these areas, creating policies to incentivise the provision of adequate accommodation and to attract local and foreign investment, thereby creating job vacancies to increase employment. Such building blocks eliminate the need for people to rely on handouts from family members, forming the firm foundation that any serious society requires.

Family as we know it in Africa is a complex phenomenon, and although this structure has perfectly fulfilled our needs for several millennia, it is becoming less suited to the way we are living in modern society. I would never advocate for completely abandoning our traditional family structures in Yorubaland, but a little modification could help us maintain the cohesive family support network of our ancestors whilst adapting to a new society that caters for all.

We are used to the _Agbo-ile_ system – several family units living together in one big house. However, residence in these houses is often fluid, with family members coming and going at will, so it is therefore difficult to keep a record of who is living where at any given time. Consequently, resources can end up being deployed to places where they are not needed, or insufficient resources allocated to places that do need them, because of inaccurate population data.

The low average income in Nigeria today means that a lot of youth cannot afford to rent or buy a place of their own, and so are continuing to live with their parents well into adulthood. Although this is not uncommon in many cultures across the world, the large numbers of children born to our parents has caused this phenomenon to become highly problematic for our people.

We must do everything possible to ensure that there is a dramatic increase in the amount of low-cost housing being developed across Yorubaland to ensure adequate opportunities are available for all, regardless of which area they reside. We know that Chief Awolowo was able to fund free education, health and other social services because he invested the seed fund he received from the British Colonial government wisely. We, too, must adopt similar approach when rebuilding our Yoruba nation, in order to avoid accruing unnecessary debt.

Nigeria today is overburdened with debt, so it is unavoidable that a portion of that debt will be passed on to the new nations born of its deamalgamation. However, we must be cognisant of the fact that this debt is bad debt that must be managed creatively to ensure it doesn’t become an obstacle to our national development.

As we plan for our new nation, we must first analyse the income generated by the whole of Yorubaland as it stands at present. I estimate that the Yoruba nation will comprise the six Southwest state, plus other states such as Kwara, parts of Kogi, Edo and Delta State. (It would be ideal for the entirety of Edo & Delta States to become part of Yoruba nation, however, this is a decision that they must make for themselves, through the appropriate democratic channels.)

From 2021 data, the revenue generated by the six southwest states plus Kwara totals approximately ₦820 billion ($1.2 billion). This is clearly inadequate to fund the development that we would need if we are to develop at the faster rate, although it is equally imperative that our promising new nation is not burdened by further debt.

One way to provide the cashflow for our development would be to approach friendly nations, like Norway, USA, Canada, in order to establish a line of credit. These three countries and others like them could provide around $500 billion worth of credit facility. Care should be taken that these funds are only requested when they are required by a specific project that will, on completion, catapult the economy; they are not for the personal use of government ministers or to merely sit in the treasury incurring interest to no end.

We must also be prudent in our use of our finances, extracting as much value as possible from each and every dollar. One way to achieve this is by making such funds available to reputable developers, whether small, medium or large, who can then build affordable homes. This will create jobs in the construction industry, which will go on to have a ripple effect in developing other sectors of the economy.

Countries like Germany, France, Japan have demonstrated how railway revenue can generate a significant proportion, up to 20-30%, of the country’s total revenue if properly managed. By building a new railway system and then selling franchises to operators, we can not only generate a healthy income for the country, but also create numerous jobs and improve connectivity across the nation, thereby widening opportunities for the populace.

The new nation will target an initial minimum wage of around $1,000 per month for the average worker, increasing every year in line with inflation. This, as I have discussed in previous articles, which is entirely achievable. Simultaneously, through policy, an enabling environment will be created, growing the economy, and increasing employment such that 30 million people are in work. In this scenario, even a modest income tax of 10% would generate $3bn per month for the Yoruba nation. Once value added tax and import duties are accounted for, the country should be able to generate no less than $10 billion per month from taxes, equating to around $120 billion annually.

Next, we must emulate the Norwegian model in terms of income from our natural resources: every Krona generated from their natural resources is saved in a sovereign fund. In an article earlier this year, I used readily-available data to demonstrate that our bituminous reserve in Yorubaland is capable of producing optimally for the next 400 years, generating $1bn to the economy annually.
If all the revenue generated from bitumen and our other natural resources were saved in this manner, we could, like Norway, build a wealth fund surpassing $1 trillion within the next 50 years. This would see us having moved away completely from the world’s poverty capital, to becoming one of the richest countries globally.

There is no doubt that the only way forward for the Yoruba people is to rebuild our own country independent of Nigeria; there is no other way we can achieve the desired future for our people. Nigeria has brought nothing but misery to the majority of its citizens. Only the elite few have benefitted, by helping themselves to the nation’s resources and, in so doing, have destroyed this nation. This is not a simple ideal that can be delayed. We must, sooner rather than later, take concrete action to safeguard the future, both for ourselves and for our children after us.

Opinion

Happy 64th Independence Day!

Published

2 hours ago

October 12, 2024

Eric

By Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

From July 2011 to May 2015, it was my honour to serve the government and people of Lagos State as General Counsel to His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN CON, the Governor of Lagos State. As one of my tasks, I had the honour of being the Governor’s speechwriter, and early this morning, as the clock chimed midnight, ushering in yet another October 1, I found myself reflecting on how far we have come as a nation. “Does our progress reflect our age?”, I asked myself. I really don’t know. My thoughts then turned to 10 years ago and I remembered the Governor’s 54th Independence Day speech, the 1st draft of which I was privileged to pen. The Governor’s words on October 1, 2014, ring as true today as they did then and I thought it was worth sharing excerpts from his speech. Happy reading!

“…Today, October 1, 2014, we are once again celebrating the anniversary of our independence from British colonial rule. Today marks 54 years since Nigeria became an independent sovereign nation, following the germination of a seed that had been sown seven years earlier, when in 1953, Anthony Eromosele Enahoro introduced a private member’s bill demanding self-government. When the British “Union Jack” flag was lowered for the last time and the green-white-green Nigerian flag was hoisted in its stead, the crowd went wild with jubilation, filled with high expectations of a greater tomorrow.

We can only imagine the exultant joy felt by our first Prime Minister. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, when he mounted the podium on October 1, 1960. In his first Independence Day Speech he said:-

“This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us… when we had so nearly reached our goal.”

Indeed he mirrored the views of millions of Nigerians and echoed their thoughts. Independence Day soon became easily the most significant day in our national life, accorded a pride of place that was difficult to surpass. Independence day became synonymous with sights of the President and the State Governors in open-top vehicles inspecting Guards of Honour, of beautiful parades, exciting fireworks and National Day Award ceremonies. October 1 also became the day on which political batons changed, and elected officials handed over to their successors. A day for inspiring speeches and sober reflection on our growth as a nation.

As a school boy, I remember struggling hard to get selected to march for my school in the National Day Parade, the endless rehearsals, and the keen anticipation of waiting to see if I would be picked. There was no prize given and none was expected. It was enough that your school had participated.

“Left, Right, Left, Right, Eeeyes Right!” And on the sidelines, children cheering us on with their own rhymes – “dem dey look una, make yanga, dem dey look una, make yanga, Left Right, Left Right!

Filled with excitement, we would add more ‘yanga’, trying hard, but not quite suceeding, to match the synchronisation of the armed forces. After it all, bursting with pride, those of us fortunate enough to have been selected to march for our school would milk our success for weeks afterwards, wearing our school uniform with pride, basking in the recognition as we went to and from school in public transportation and displaying a sense of superiority over our “less fortunate” schoolmates. Such was the depth of our civic pride.

Today, sadly, the excitement has waned. October 1 appears to have now become a hollow ritual and regrettably, no more than just another work and school-free day. The flame of our national pride seems to flicker. This is not how it should be.

What is the importance of a day like this? What does it mean to you? What should it mean to you? All over the world, Independence Day anniversaries are celebrated with great fanfare, splendour, respect for the nation and a deep sense of patriotism.bln some countries, festivities leading up to Independence Day start up to three weeks earlier. Some hold Independence Day beauty pageants; some re-enact their independence, others play the National Anthem on the dot of midnight on all radio and TV stations. All put country before self, at least for that day. We should not be any different.

In that historic Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa also said:

“Words cannot adequately express my joy and pride at being the Nigerian citizen privileged to accept from Her Royal Highness, these Constitutional Instruments which are the symbols of Nigeria’s independence. It is a unique privilege, which I shall remember forever, and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country.”

Noble words indeed, and the words upon which the foundation of our nation was built. It seems to me that there is no better time to rekindle the flame of Nigeria’s promise than now. We should reflect on Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s words and re-dedicate ourselves to the service of Nigeria. In other words, we ought to see October 1 as a day to rekindle our national pride.

Let us patriotically reaffirm in our hearts that, Christian or Muslim, we are one nation under God; that North or South, we are one indivisible people; that whatever our political affiliations, we are all Nigerians, and that what binds us together far outweighs what little divides us.

We will yet attain those great lofty heights we sing so gustily about in the second stanza of our National Anthem. And I pray it will happen in my lifetime.

So help us God.”

Happy 64th Indepencence Day anniversary, dear colleagues. Please spare a prayer for Nigeria on her 64th birthday post independence. May God help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed. Amen.

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb,
was General Counsel to the Governor of
Lagos State from July 2011 to May 2015.

Opinion

Rivers Crisis: A Note of Caution by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

Published

7 days ago

October 5, 2024

Eric

I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.

The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.

Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.

Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.

Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.

I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.

The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.

State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.

– GEJ

Opinion

The End of a Political Party

Published

4 weeks ago

September 16, 2024

Eric

By Obianuju Kanu-Ogoko

It is deeply alarming and shameful to witness an elected official of an opposition party openly calling for the continuation of President Tinubu’s administration. This blatant betrayal goes against the very essence of democratic opposition and makes a mockery of the values the PDP is supposed to stand for.

Even more concerning is the deafening silence from North Central leadership. This silence comes at a price—For the funneled $3 million to buy off the courts for one of their Leaders’, the NC has compromised integrity, ensuring that any potential challenge is conveniently quashed. Such actions reveal a deeply compromised leadership, one that no longer stands for the people but for personal gain.

When a member of a political party publicly supports the ruling party, it raises the critical question: Who is truly standing for the PDP? When a Minister publicly insulted PDP and said that he is standing with the President, and you did nothing; why won’t others blatantly insult the party? Only under the Watch of this NWC has PDP been so ridiculed to the gutters. Where is the opposition we so desperately need in this time of political crisis? It is a betrayal of trust, of principles and of the party’s very foundation.

The leadership of this party has failed woefully. You have turned the PDP into a laughing stock, a hollow shell of what it once was. No political party with any credibility or integrity will even consider aligning or merging with the PDP at this rate. The decay runs deep and the shame is monumental.

WHAT A DISGRACE!