Nigeria is anticipating a day of change when the current ills faced by citizens will be overcome but it all starts with a good leader. No wonder, Nigerians all over the country have been advocating a better government. Insecurity has become the order of the day.
Bandits and the insurgents have been associated with cases of kidnapping and armed robbery like the gun attack at a church in Owo, Ondo State and the bombing and attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
In all these, Nigerians want to be guaranteed unconditional security. This can be ensured through: solidified border security, and equipping of security agents with modern technological facilities and skills.
Better health services is crucial for healthy living. Poor health facilities and medical staff training in Nigeria are the leading causes of deaths in hospitals. For example, my close friend died three months after undergoing a surgical operation. Apparently, the doctor is incompetent; he forgot a surgical instrument inside her body.
Lack of steady power supply and vital medical facilities in some hospitals are also major challenges. Even our president himself has shown by his trips abroad for his medical needs that he doesn’t trust the medics or medical services being rendered in Nigeria. Through proper fund allocation and help from international organisations, we can improve our health sector.
Also, in Nigeria, the number of poor persons has increased from 82.1 million to 95.1 million in 2022. Earning a daily living in the country has become an everyday hustle for us and government as well as individuals need to work hard to alleviate poverty for good. This can be done by utilising our vast human and natural resources in furthering industrial production and encouraging individuals on the need to be self-employed.
There is no doubt that we all would love to live in a country with consistent electricity supply but that would be difficult to achieve if there is no political will and commitment. Given the recent fuel scarcity across the country, the cost of generating power has gone up. Currently, only 45 per cent of the population is connected to the energy grid while power supply difficulties are experienced over 85 per cent of the time. Private individuals and government can play their part by employing the use of other renewable energy sources like solar power. Government should also promote research and development in energy sources like nuclear energy and partner with international organisations to meet the needs of the masses.
Furthermore, there is a need to address the ever-growing issue of unemployment as the unemployment rate in Nigeria is estimated to be 33 per cent. Nigeria is populated and so the number of job seekers greatly outweighs the number of available job opportunities. To increase employment rate, the government has to encourage capitalism, fund small businesses, ensure provision of social amenities and empower innovative youths to become entrepreneurs.
The Nigeria we want is a place where security is guaranteed and peace reigns. We desire a nation with reduced poverty rate and supplied with consistent electricity as well as essential health services for we are richly blessed with creative and innovative youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.
Written by Arowosegbe Tolulope of GSS Wuse Zone 3, Abuja
