Matter of factly, we are in hard times now. Facing economic challenges, orchestrated by our over-dependence on oil and our inability to plan properly by projecting into the future financially.

Surprisingly, we have a generation that tends to conform with tradition, comfortable in their comfort zones. Despite these desperate times, that deserves desperate solutions, we have refused to learn from the mistakes of yester-years. We have refused to learn from the misdeeds of previous generations.

Surviving this harsh times requires us thinking outside the box. No matter how depressed the economy will be, man will always need food, shelter and clothing. The basic necessities of life are a must, if you must live to tell the story of the Nigeria that we all desire. Recession brings redistribution of wealth, naturally. Truth is, times of recessions is usually a good time to raise a new generation of Millionaires. There is always a good in every bad, your duty is to see it and see it first.

My advise, sit back, think on paper, what problems exist around you that you can solve by commercialising. We have so many guys into hairdressing now because, women will always desire to look beautiful, maybe above so many other things. Some ladies even prefer their hair done by a guy, believing that he should know how to do the settings-and-resettings from a masculine perspective, making it beautifully beautiful.

Secondly, recently, there was scarcity of Tomatoes in Nigeria. During these period, Nigerians started inventing soups that does not necessarily need tomatoes like “Egusi”, “Okro”, “Oha”, “Ogbono” et al. The likes of Coconut rice graced our dining tables, but did this still remove the desire for a “Pepper feel” that tomatoes and “Tatashe” offers. The South Westerners are known to like so much Pepper in their soups, they were not getting maximum utility from these “Ebola” that plagued our tomatoes. During that period, I even heard 3 pieces tomatoes sold for about #500 (Five Hundred Naira). I used Tomatoes as an example to prove to you that, our generation needs a new generation of farmers, who will embrace farming, like the Cocoa Millionaires of yesteryear. I think we still have a couple of them around, that aspiring farmers can learn from.

Modern technologies are now available to produce crops in and out of season, so as to ensure continuity in supplies. Partnerships can also be sought with companies to ensure these crops are well preserved so as to avoid wastage and loss on the part of the farmer. I am not unaware that preservation is a major factor that farmers have to handle every other time, but if we ask questions, I am sure we can get help from experienced local and international farmers, Agricultural Research Institutes like (IITA) and the likes. So many Ph.D. holders are now going into farming, and they are beginning to see the brighter side of it, as seen by our founding fathers in the early 1960’s and 1970’s. This just means that, When our youths with youthful energy diversify into any agriculturally related field, with adequate trainings, the nation will be revamped from her current financial mess and economic uncertainties, thereby reducing, to a large extent the gap between the “Super Rich” and “The Poor”.

When I woke up to the news that the National Youth Service Corps (N.Y.S.C.) has been scrapped, I wished that the government (Federal, State and Local), setup large farm settlements, that will house all basic amenities while harnessing all the factors of production and specialise in a particular produce in that locality . However, this does not limit their productions, so that they will not perform below their installed capacity. Within this settlements will be soil scientists, Graduate Agriculturists, Clinics to cater for needs of the workers on these farms, as will be necessary per time. This, I feel, will help us achieve the diversification that our economy actually needs now.

Do you know that some teachers who engage in private lessons make more money that some bankers and insurance agents? This is because, everybody wants qualitative education for their children, but they still need to go out there to work, so as to be able to fend for their family.

Qualified teachers who wishes to professionalise will make more money in these times, where parents barely have time to even assist their children with their home works. This also shows the lacuna in our educational system, that has produced some graduates that do not know how to write simple application letters, how much more business plans. If this recession is not properly managed, the economy will go into depression, which is the worst state of financial crunch. Think, my people think !

Finally, survival is a skill that you must develop. Look at your fingertips, it is unique to you and you alone, no one else on planet earth has your unique features. What problems are you created to solve? There will be challenges, but these hard-times is to bring out the best in you.

You do not need money to start a business, all you need is an idea. My dream is to raise a new generation of leaders that will be economic reformers and world shakers. People who are ready to take their world by storm and create a lasting impression on the sands of time.

Once again, I am yours sincerely, and borrowing from Senator Ben Bruce, I am just trying to make common sense. The above is how to INSURE and SECURE our future.

Thank you for reading.

Babatunde Raimi (Award Winning Author & Life Coach)