25 YEARS ON, WAITING FOR DEMOCRACY’S PROMISE

It’s been almost 25 years since Nigeria’s latest and ongoing democratic experiment. On May 29, 2024 —exactly five months from today — President Olusegun Obasanjo’s inauguration as the first president of the 4th Republic would have been a quarter of a century ago. If the elections defined 2023, national security remains the most urgent and important matter of national importance. However, everything that is considered important will be tied to the economy. 2024 marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, as it reflects 25 years since the inception of our latest democratic experiment.

As the nation approaches this quarter-century mark, it is essential to reflect on the progress made, the challenges faced, and the trajectory for the future. May 1999 marked a new era for Nigeria, transitioning from military rule to democracy. Over the years, we have undergone significant socio-political and economic transformations.

The most recent elections in 2023 played a defining role in re-shaping the nation’s political landscape. The democratic process, though imperfect, remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s governance structure. The people’s voice, expressed through the ballot, continues to be a powerful force in steering the nation’s course. However, despite the relative political progress, the overarching concern in 2024 will be national security.

The evolving nature of security challenges demands a comprehensive and adaptive approach to safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens. The urgency and gravity of this matter cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the well-being and stability of the nation.

It is quite evident that many issues are interconnected, with economic factors playing a central role. As the saying goes, “everything that is considered important will be tied to the economy.” Nigeria’s economic landscape, characterized by opportunities and challenges, serves as both a catalyst and a constraint in addressing the nation’s pressing issues. The state of the economy has a ripple effect on various aspects of society, influencing employment rates, poverty levels, and overall quality of life. Therefore, any comprehensive approach to addressing national concerns, including security, must encompass strategic economic policies that foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Over the past 25 years, Nigeria has experienced economic fluctuations, grappling with issues such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and an unhealthy dependence on oil revenue. It is imperative for the government to implement and sustain economic reforms that promote diversification, innovation, and social inclusivity. By addressing these economic challenges head-on, Nigeria can create a more resilient and robust foundation for addressing pressing national issues.

Education, healthcare, and infrastructure development are integral components of a nation’s socio-economic fabric. Investing in these areas not only enhances the well-being of citizens but also contributes to long-term national stability. A forward-looking approach to governance in 2024 should prioritize policies that strengthen these foundational pillars. Education serves as the bedrock for societal progress, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Therefore, efforts should be intensified to enhance the quality of education, making it accessible to all citizens, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.

Similarly, healthcare is a fundamental human right and a critical determinant of a nation’s productivity. In 2024, Nigeria should focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to quality healthcare services, and prioritizing public health initiatives. President Tinubu appointing Prof. Ali Pate as the Minister of Health was a hopeful signal for what is to come.

Infrastructure development, encompassing roads, energy, and technology, is crucial for fostering economic growth. Investing in modern and efficient infrastructure not only facilitates trade and commerce but also enhances the overall quality of life for citizens. Strategic investments in infrastructure will be key to unlocking the nation’s full potential.

Now is a moment for reflection, evaluation, and strategic planning. While celebrating the progress made in democratic governance, it is essential to address the persistent challenges, with national security taking precedence. Recognizing the interconnected nature of issues, economic reforms that promote inclusive growth should be at the forefront of government priorities.

As Nigeria charts its course for the future, a commitment to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development will be pivotal. By fostering a resilient economy and addressing the root causes of challenges, Nigeria can build a foundation for sustained growth and prosperity in the years to come. The journey of the past 25 years serves as a roadmap for the nation’s continued evolution, emphasizing the importance of unity, innovation, and a collective commitment to building a better Nigeria for all.

The road ahead will not be less bumpy, seeing as some of today’s challenges will further compound and possibly evolve. We must approach our challenges differently from how we have in years past.

We need to make viable and wholesome alternatives for our young people. Sports has always been a present alternative. However, beyond focusing on our national teams, we have largely ignored the power of sports to build character, create jobs and provide entertaining engagements for our young people. Even the national teams we see as the be all and end all of sports are beginning to suffer from our lack of attention to sports development. We used to rule athletics in Africa, not anymore. The African Nations Cup will kick-off in Cote d’Ivoire days from now, we are attending with a disjointed team, a clueless manager and loads of hope and prayers. We’d be lucky to make the finals.

In the early days of the 4th Republic, “dividends of democracy” appeared to be a popular phrase as the essence of governance. It has since more or less disappeared from the political lexicon. I often wonder why that is the case. Is it that the political class got tired of making a promise that never came to be or the people got tired of listening to the same promises without results? I have no idea. What I do know for sure is, as a country, we’d have to be a lot more strategic and intentional over the next quarter century than we have since 1999. Our population is too young, strong and too thirsty for change to be left without enough opportunities to meet their aspirations.

 Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/author, Digital Wealth Book