Obamanizing the Nigerian youth. (Part 2)

By Ilobi Austin

One hopes that the tactical and strategic course of action that would drive the power emergency when declared, would come with a module that would take care of distribution- the old transformers and sagging power lines.
There is no doubt that, for starter, a constant twelve hour daily supply of electricity would increase creativity and economic activities and knock off a significant percentage from ours unemployment statistics; with the resultant reduction in crime rate.

Other than the above, Movements around the country needs to be a bit enjoyable and less of labour. The stress and carnage one suffers and comes across along our highways as a result of the near total disappearance of macadamized surface on long stretch of these roads , can keep even the most unfeeling distraught for hours if not days-a very value time for Obamanizing ones thought and strategy for set agenda. Someone might argue that air transportation is available and better than it used to be with newer aircrafts and better supervision from the concerned agency of government, but I dare say that many in our midst cannot afford it. And Water transportation too. It needs to be integrated into our means of movement beyond import and export of commodities, and not forgetting rail. There should be options or choices in the means of movement- not alternative.

Agriculture: Future leaders need food. Good one at that and at an affordable price. To this end, all the states in the federation are encouraged to adopt the kwara model in their areas of comparative advantage. I do not believe that the “back to farm” solutions of the post independence era can meet the food challenges of today’s Nigeria. We need just twenty or even less percentage of our population, supported with the right technology, and not a preachment to the youths to go back to farm and certainly, not the theatrics of fertilizer importation for gardening to feed not just Nigeria but indeed, Africa and the rest of the world.

Health: we need to have a reliable health care system. Health care was one of the critical issues in the just concluded US election- some voters who gave their vote to Obama did so, just for that. We are no less, humans. It is part of the Obamanizing secrets of the United States. If we cannot copy the system wholesale, then let us have a remix of it.

I can never attend to all the things that have made Obama what he is, today. But I am confident that once this country gets it right in the above areas that the individual would look out for himself. We the youths of Nigeria unlike our counterparts in America and Europe are not asking to be pampered. We are not asking for social welfare scheme, just the essentials of life. These are not too much to ask of ones dear country.

We run one of the most longest and stressful academic available any where in the world- law student spends a total of seven years before they are ready for the labour market and this, is even about to be increased including the new requirement of a degree in other discipline-it is longer for the medical student. There is no proof to show that we are the best in both disciplines in the world, but we are not complaining but just asking that a more conducive environment be provided for us to meet these requirements, half way.

We are not asking the country to do anything for us but pleading that they get us enlightened enough to know what and how to do something for her. That is exactly what America did for president-elect Obama.

Ilobi Austin, a social commentator and event analyst writes from Warri. His articles on Nigerian and international issues can be downloaded free @ www.vibratingaustin.blogspot.com


Congratulations, brother Obama. You have restored the dignity of man -apologies to the University of Nigeria, with your resounding victory. May the good lord be your shepherd as you steer the ship of the American state to the shores of peace and economic prosperity; to the glory of God. God bless America. And once more, congratulations.