Josmat Jerry
“Deep within my heart, the dream of living in an environment where lives hope for tomorrow; where the evil that sucks us dry of our national inheritance dries off; where we have a living life within life; where we are all possessed with equality and fairness, where the road map to the future shines truly; where the presence of an evergreen tranquility gleams of infinity. Though it’s just an imaginary picture in dreams, I hope the change comes for real; I hope for a better nation; a better Nigeria.”
The beauty and rashes that have always featured in “third world countries” lie within the mission to keep them as third world countries; in an unchanging position. This further connects their similarities through the blood and bones of the adversaries with strong bonds, which speaks of making them stagnant at such a state. Nigeria, under the canopy and emblem of this party, waxes stronger on her seat as the clock ticks to keep her buttocks glued to this seat. A country mostly referred to as the giant of her continent is still found dragging some relegating position with brethren of the same replica. At the centre of these intertwined problems is the aggrandised rate of unemployment in Nigeria.
Unemployment and poverty have, by large, been driving the Nigerian vehicle towards a low level of economic performance. They’ve also been a determinant in showcasing the worth and status of the country. It is estimated that Nigeria comprises over 250 million people, with an annual increase rate of 2.6%. The country also parades a 32.5% unemployment rate, making it the worst hit nation in the world of unemployment. In reference to this, the standard of living has dropped drastically, coupled with a rise in inflation rate and an increase in fraud and cyber-crime.
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Even with the mode and rate at which Nigerians seek to emigrate from the country for a greener pasture, the high rate of this effect doesn’t seem to reflect on the nation’s population. Owing to the presence of unemployment at a high rate, the cost of living has really been poor; an average Nigerian depends on $1.90 per day. Of this weak amount, an individual will feed their mouth, provide food for their family, and if you inject miscellaneous costs, the Nigerian is left on a zero or negative balance. “How long will we live with this predicament?” is a question that begs for the needed change.
Some have argued that the population of the country is so high that the resources at hand can’t circulate. Others are of the opinion that a nation with an annual budget of 10 trillion naira at the minimum and 15 trillion naira at the maximum is endowed enough to cater to its large population. Also, we have the third set of people, who claim that the statistical representation of the country’s population can’t be relied on, stating further that the real population is something around 300 million, which connotes that the resources at hand are not sufficient. From any of these three angles, there is a realisation of the mismanagement of national resources and funds when one considers the abundant resources the nation possesses.
A series of uncertainties ravages all around: the vagueness of what tomorrow will bring forth; the vices fuelled by having an unsecure future even with a degree; the astonishment of waking up as a Nigerian with confusion of what the day holds; the uncertainty of when these struggles and pains will diminish; the notion of change… when will it come? Will there ever be a change in the Nigerian situation? A positive one that puts a stop to sufferings, uncertainties and unworthy sacrifices.
With hope, we shift our gaze to the government for their intervention. The creation of employment via an effective budget that reflects a support for this is needed. The nation’s annual budget has always been characterised with a large percentage spent on recurrent expenditures: activities of such which are not of necessity should be cut short and their funds directed to creating employment for employable individuals. State governments should rise up for positive change through the establishment of numerous empowerment programmes, and definitely not the donation of goats or tying ropes! State governments need to eradicate ghost workers, and ensure aged workers retire at the stated retirement age to create room for young minds who are filled with vibrant activism and agile skills which enhance growth and development of the country at the topmost level.
Individuals are also enjoined to be employable; tons of graduates out there are underperformers of stated skills in their certifications. The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is lamentable. Acquisition of various skills should be adopted, as it serves as a plus to their qualifications and also as an alternative when securing an office job fails. Private organisations should exhibit a quality of equity and equality in their recruitment processes . The requirements needed for employment should be real and feasible and, not unscrupulous like“not more than 25years with 5 years experience”. When such measures and steps are put into place, the needed positive change will come.
To the world of peace embedded with certainties and real realities we actually want and dream of, but the unfairness of life circumstances and the uncertainties it parades punch deflate our dreams. Even though we need a change of positivity to at least make our expectations come to pass in some areas, things meant to import and fast drive such change have been in a failed state, which has let us completely down. But with the light-blue glimpse of the sky and a hope that surrounds its call and daily activities, we believe the needed change will take place.
