By Lugard Izuokumor
IN a piece I titled, lessons from the 2023 presidential elections, I argued that democracy is not only a majority votes; democracy is also sometimes just accepting that someone wins for the betterment of our young republic’s greatness and its greatest assets.
Given the fact that, building bridges, compromise and uniting all, are fundamental in the democratic process, particularly in a multicultural State.
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Three days ago, I listened to a podcast about Afro-economics. Indeed, the podcast was educative and apparently would be helpful for anyone concerned of Nigeria’s progress and development.
Although Afro-economics by content is obviously a clear contrast from this piece’s headline, but by context it’s a catalyst, and in my candid opinion, is pointing to Africa’s greatness that’s copiously intertwined to Nigeria’s progress and development.
In other words, I meant the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria is a strategic and hegemonic player, so what happens in Nigeria will slow Africa’s progress and by implication the world. Why?: Because Nigeria is a great place to live, there is no place like it.
It is a multicultural country full of dynamism, colour, diversity and wealth and interestingly a depiction of pan-Africanism. Nigeria has plenty for Nigerians and a lots to offer the world, which is a clear and distinct sense of nostalgia on what could’ve been for the Giant of Africa; of a prodigious potential that’s yet to be fulfilled, sadly.
Let’s look into the contextual meaning of the term Afro-economics because the key words in the headline of my piece, are “greatness and greatest assets,” which I’d not even try to explain because these words keep reverberating in all of us almost every second. To put succinctly, the term Afro-economics is a combination of two words, ‘afrocentric’ and ‘economics’.
Afro-economics is based on the idea that Africa has a unique history, culture and economic potential that requires a different approach to economic development than the one prescribed by mainstream economic theories and policies.
It is an economic philosophy that seeks to address the unique challenges facing African economies and emphasises the need to leverage Africa’s vast natural resources, human capital and cultural heritage for the economic development and empowerment of the people and nations on the African continent.
Afro-economics is grounded in the principles of social justice, equity, inclusivity and seeks to create an economic system that promotes regional integration. It also recognises the interrelatedness of global economies by building mutually beneficial relationships that promote trade, investment and technology transfer.
Long article short, it’s long anyways, but these are my suggestions of what President-elect should prioritise in the coming days, months and years.
(1) A Government of National Unity: I admit that the path to building national cohesion and strengthening unity is a tortuous one that a few prescriptions may not smooth out.
But it is more important that President-elect get started, than not starting at all, working together to find common ground on issues such as appointments, security, religion, education, infrastructure and the economy.
The incoming administration that’d be led by Asiwaju Tinubu Ahmed cannot afford a government that is so one-sided where millions will feel completely alienated and unrepresented by their government.
Together with his team, he must build a strong unity government that actually unifies instead of divides. With so many dangers facing our country, Mr. President must let our strengths shine forth and work together.
(2) Public Sector Governance Reform: PSGR is about systemic and sustainable performance improvement in the public sector. The question is, how is PSGR supposed to bring about the improvements and what are the specific improvements that can be expected?
PSGR is important because it sets the rules for economic and political interactions between State and society and within the State; it determines the decision-making structures that choose public policy priorities; it allocates the resources to address these priorities; and it produces and applies the public sector rules and processes that contribute to the management of players implementing the policies.
It’s at the core of development. These activities weren’t performed well by previous administrations in Nigeria and citizens suffer.
So, President-elect should draw evidence from academic and empirical literature resources for these vital elements of PSG to be reformed, for public sector to improve its efficiency and effectiveness for the benefit of all its citizens, especially the poor and marginalized who are inadequately served by current governance arrangements and the resultant public sector performance.
(3) Cultural Industries: Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage that can be leveraged for economic development. President-elect should promote the development of cultural industries such as arts, crafts, music, film and tourism, which can generate income and employment opportunities while preserving cultural diversity.
This can involve investing in cultural infrastructure, promoting cultural entrepreneurship and creating favourable policies that protect and promote Nigerian cultural expressions.
(4) Women and Youth Empowerment: As official findings encapsulate women and youth represent a significant portion of the Nigerian population and have untapped potentials as economic agents.
Our President-elect must prioritise gender and youth empowerment by promoting gender equality, providing access to education and skills training, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and leadership.
This can enable women and youths to participate fully in economic activities, contribute to economic growth and achieve sustainable development.
In conclusion, the administration of President-elect Asiwaju should prioritise these specific structural needs and challenges that have hindered economic development in Nigeria.
I would like to also suggest for President-elect to keenly pay attention to renewable energy, innovation and technology to be a President for all Nigerians.
