THE TRUTH; THE BITTERCOLA
The word Government is synonymous to saying “Godment”. Hence, the role of government in architecture, social, education, and economic development cannot be underestimated, overemphasized and “shifted-to-the-ruled”.
Truly, we have seen entities rebel and work against its "god". Some it profited and some it destroyed. The case of Lucifer the loser is not strange; the case of Jacob who had a win against God isn't strange too.
However, here we talk of a better Africa and its governance. This cannot happen without knowing these:
1. What do we (people) want?
2. What resource is available?
3. What kind of person can help us?
4. How do we (people) allow the person if he wants to help?
5. Can we (people) maintain the development?
To follow these outlines, certain thoughts should erupt vigorously and should tail to whether there can ever be a solution to Africa well being or we keep deceiving ourselves and whiling away time, thoughts and resources. I also presume that such volcanic thought eruption should become an igneous decision in our hearts.
Firstly, to start mentioning what we want is like starting infinity, because man is insatiable and the needs are endless till eternity. But I'm sure to mention a few like good roads, potable water, classical educational facilities, light, best health system, wealth and then security. I presume this answer the first thing to know.
Secondly, you will agree that we cannot spend and get more than we have. Even the God-created Ocean has certain parts which can't contain a Man-made ship. Hence, the budget and the resources apportioned to different regions through international, federal, state, and local channels should be well known. This is to avoid the ignorance of demanding ocean from the lake. By knowing this, we have power in our hands to demand the head of person.
Thirdly, the kind of person that can help is unknown unless tested. This is a truth you should know. I have read people writing "The key to getting good governance is voting good people into power". This is very true but I have a question for all. Who is a "good" person and how do we identify one? Is it by their works before election? Of course, the truest answer is it's by their works in and after governance. Invariably, there's no good person on earth unless he proved himself till the end. Such was the case of Jesus Christ of the Christian believers. I leave you here to reason more.
Fourthly, in allowing a leader to perform, it requires total submissiveness of the people. Some Governors would not have been achieving smart cities across the world without the effectual cooperation of citizens. Even though it was not conducive for the people whose properties were demolished to install modern structures to achieve a better planned urban state, I'm pretty sure they will be happy seeing a better development in their space. There are many sacrifices to be paid by us, the indigenes or residents.
Lastly, maintaining the development is of more critical stance than all above. We would bid that the developments not come than to come and be destroyed. How would we account for all our sacrifices and ordinances above? I suggest that the succeeding leaders of Africa be responsible for the good developments the past leaders had done. It's a pity some leaders allow party line and politics get into their cerebral to reject the good others did.
IN CONTRIBUTION TO WHAT THE PEOPLE CAN DO WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT.
I am here to say nothing or only little can be done! No one succeeds without the support of a government whether in policies, force, endorsement, funding, or in other kinds.
How will a carpenter be encouraged in a place where the government imports furniture for its offices? How many African governments patronize indigenous companies and local products? All government procurements are mostly imported at the expense of local production and economical growth. The people do the same because we prefer Italian suits and shoes to what Mr. Olumide in your next door can make.
It was quite easy for those in entertainment (arts, music, comedy, acts) industry in Africa to have a geometric progression of its economy because the people and government endorsed them.
Let every African State government, Private individual and even Federal government be inviting the likes of Rihanna, Jayzee, e.t.c to every occasion in Africa and see whether the fame of Olamide, Davido, WizKid, e.t.c will not die immediately. If they don't die, they will surely struggle in abject poverty, which is same as we see around us in other sectors of our economy.
By: Olumide Oludare, 2017.
