THE “INHERITED” OR “GLOBAL” PROBLEM

If you are familiar with the Nigerian media space, listen to the news, listen to press statements from government officials and politically elected officials, watch public hearings and press conferences. The words “Inherited” or “global” is cliché as the words are common ground for irresponsible government officials to leverage on.

You may ask where the use of these words or the situation or the reason for the use of these words stem from! This is somewhat a very good question as these words are used by irresponsible government officials in Nigeria for their flagrant indisposition to responsibilities duly expected of them to fulfill. 

Also the idea of politically elected officials using these words is not peculiar to them alone as these words can apply to person or persons who are responsible for certain things in an organization or society at large.

Let me also state that these words can be used by any person or persons as they have different meanings as seen in different English dictionaries. 

Nigeria is a country faced with a lot of problems ranging from insecurity to devaluation of the currency to erratic power supply to unemployment and so on. Looking at all these, it will take courage and bravery to take a position with the sole responsibility of solving these problems.

It is almost a tradition for incumbent administrations to put the blame of the above listed problems and many others on the preceding administrations(s). The question that raises it head again is, is it right to put out these blames or simply take responsibility?

Teenagers who are growing gradually into adulthood are made to know and understand that the earlier they begin to take responsibility for their problems and situations in which they find themselves the better it is for them to do some form of self-evaluation, try to fill up the loop holes in their lives, begin a journey of self-development and eventually solving the problems and also making sure they take necessary actions to prevent the occurrence of similar problems.

With the above said, it is reasonable enough for these leaders to take action for the current problems facing the country rather than the continuous flagrant indisposition to responsibility which, under oath, promised to solve.

It remains fact that damage or damages, due to irresponsibility by previous administrations will have a telling effect on the present government. It is now left for the incumbent administration to proffer solutions or remedies to the problem and be pragmatic about solving these problems.

Looking deeply into the case of the Nigerian government, the prevailing insecurity, unemployment, rising food prices, devaluation of the local currency and so on are linked. The northern part of Nigeria is known for mass production of food most especially cereals and perishable food stuff such as tomatoes, pepper etc. but due to insecurity, farmers are either afraid to go their farms or have been displaced from their farms and settlements.

Unemployment is even more troubling for a largely youthful population. It is even more heart wreaking, when graduates who have gone through the malignant and rigorous educational system in the country, defying the odds and gaining required knowledge, still do not have the opportunity to practice and earn a living.

This in turn leads to the ever increasing rates of kidnapping and other violent crimes which seems to be lucrative considering the millions these bad elements of society make from these evil act. Unemployment however, is not a justification for an act which poses danger to society and in turn endangers the security system of the nation.

A clear example where government took responsibility for security, is the case of the establishment of Amotekun. An initiative by south-west governors to ensure safety of its citizens. The establishment of Amotekun was welcomed with open hands to the citizens who were made to understand how the paramilitary security architecture would function through the use of local vigilantes, hunters, and locals of respective towns and cities.

Today the south west of Nigeria has the lowest incidents of kidnapping in the six geo political zones of the country. Statistics reveal that the region only experienced 36 reported cases of kidnapping as compared to 740 cases in the northern part of the country in the last quarter of the year.

As patriotic citizens who want a better life for our generation and that of the generation after us, it is imperative we also get actively involved in solving our problems in the best way we can.

For instance, your locality is experiencing the bad effects of erosion causing the roads connecting your home inaccessible. Why not, fill some used sack bags with sand, abate the problem of erosion so at least your car won’t get a bump while leaving or going back home.

As individuals the responsibility of making our lives better, that of our families, friends and the society at large lies in our hands. This can only be achieved if and only if, we take necessary actions at the right time and refuse to pass blames on other people for our misfortune.

The earlier we begin to believe and act this, the better for us. Yes, the government frustrates our efforts.

An exemplar of frustration is that of a federal road left to deteriorate for years, leaving it with pot holes like that of the popular Ayo game of the Yourbas. The road was graded by a private individual so as to make it accessible by motorists during the harmattan/dry season. 

He was however, arrested by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency whose sole responsibility is to ensure frequent maintenance of federal roads in the country for not taking prior permission for the project. 

This is somewhat discouraging and perplexing to the understanding of the common man on the street. Despite this so many people still thrive and are successful at what they do. The choice to take responsibility and be better persons is ours. Embrace it today!

Written by: Olaoluwa Olaitan