National Discussions…A project of Basic Principles

10 Alternatives to Oil, 10 Keys to National Prosperity 1
Nothing good comes easy, or so it is said. With good comes another level of good and something is termed good by what it brings along with it. Nigeria’s oil seems to have brought with it more challenges than opportunities, more issues than solutions. Corruption, environmental pollution, marginalisation and an emphasis on sharing federal revenue rather than justifying its expenditure are some of the issues that have arisen as a result.

Though the option of solar energy, thermodynamics, bio diesel and windmills have all been suggested as alternatives to energy and power generation and such we appreciate and note, we are however considering this issue from a standpoint of revenue generation and not one of cross comparison of energy alternatives.

The prosperity of a nation is largely dependent on her people within rather than forces without. A nation’s situation therefore is a reflection of how her people think, act or behave. Nigeria’s present and embarrassing oil situation should therefore be pointed to her people and not at others or Her Creator. There are several other oil producing nations that are not as bedeviled with the kinds of things that we experience in this country. If we are experiencing something different, it is almost sure that we have done something out of place.

In the face of this realization however is a growing concern. Why keep being insistent on a door that does not seem to want to open at the expense of other ones and in the midst of several opportunities? In this edition of National Discussions, a project of Basic Principles we would be looking at some of these doors and opportunities to create national wealth.

1. Tourism: With cities like London, Paris and Haiti raking in millions from visiting tourists, the hospitality industry, transportation, arts and culture are just a few of beneficiary industries in line with what would accrue to our country if able to attract outsiders to come see what we have to offer and make them comfortable during their stay. Yankari, Obudu and a few others are notable examples with much more to be harnessed and put to proper use. The Tinapa Project sure looks full of opportunities but the question is how prepared and ready are we for it?

2.Sports: United Kingdom, United States, Italy, Spain and Brazil have used popular sports like basketball, football, tennis, golf, motor racing and the like to their advantage in terms of generating tons of national revenue. The question is why can’t we? Successful hosting of sporting events, tournaments and fiestas not only yields profit for national purse but also showcases and highlights national, cultural, economic and social capital.

3.Entertainment: Showbiz, music, comedy, movies. It is already happening. It can however be developed. Enabling laws, improving legislation, protecting intellectual copyrights and lowering production costs are ways that government could help. Improving quality, promoting local content and patronage, and producing at internationally acceptable and marketable levels are other essential steps to take.

4.Science and technology: Every economic dominating nation has an edge in science and technology. United States, Britain, Russia, Japan, Germany. You name them. Steering the course of youths and providing logistical support for science based education and a producer nation economy would open doors for a brighter national future. Most of the appliances that we use; phones, computers and cars go to prosper the economies of nations that we buy them from. Why can’t we therefore make our own? A nation that does not produce, does not progress.

As we hope to come your way again next week in the continuation and conclusion of this piece, let’s think and do something about it.

Wishing you well, hoping and working towards a better Nigeria.
Cheers.

Kehinde Akintobi
74 Randle Avenue, box 190,
Surulere, Lagos
churchonthenet004@yahoo.co.uk
BasicPrinceTriples@yahoo.com
234 08060631373

For: BasicPrinciples
Basic Principles + Concepts Consulting
BPC CONSULTING