The Speakers that graced this event with enlighening discussion were;
1. Mr. Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria.
2. Mr. Chidi Aroh, Commissioner of Information, representing the Governor of Enugu State.
3. Mr. Adedeji Olaiya, Nigerian-born Irish Politician and Writer
4. Mr. Abimbola Daniyan, former DG of Osun Tourism Board and Nation building expert.
EXCERPTS that surround the discussions are.
Georg Steiner:
* There has to be Citizens’ Emotional connection to the Nation.
* There has to be intellectual honesty from the Leaders.
* Transparency, Accountability and Rule of Law.
* Private and Public Sector collaboration to deliver good governance to the People, and example from Switzerland.
* Every letter written to Government, gets a reply.
* There has to be hope in the Nation and collaboration with leadership to build.
Adedeji Olaiya:
* A comparison of the Irish Political System to Nigeria’s. Irish has only 3. It is easier to manage Politicians and deliver governance.
* Cross carpeting is a taboo. He suggests that Nigerian system could use the legislature to deter cross carpeting Politicians from holding public office, until after 3 years or so.
* Youths are into crime because they crave for activity, which could have been through hard work, provision of jobs.
* Nigeria has become large and requires restructuring now. All Governors will still hold their offices and powers, same for Senators but the structure could come down to the 6 Geopolitical zones, and not directly to the Central Government. So, the relationship between the Federal Government will be with the 6 Geopolitical zone Leaders. All zones will manage their own resources directly.
Chidi Aroh:
* Locally customized solutions to Nigerian problems. Foreign tactics have all failed in solving the problems of Nigeria.
* There is an ongoing collaboration between Government and the Citizens in solving security problems through the use of local Vigilante etc.
* Our diversity should be our strength and not a tool to divide us. (Chidi was born in the East, grew up in the North, schooled in Ogbomoso, went to Law School in Lagos.)
* Citizens MUST understand their obligations to their Nation. It is an obligation.
* Insecurity is universal, and Nigeria will scale this hurdle too.
* Political system must be based on ideologies that focuses on the people.
Bode Olugbore: (deductions)
* The problems of Nigeria, is Nigerians; who are Fulani Herdsmen? Who is the Armed Robber? Who are the Fraudsters? They are all Nigerians!
* The image we present to the World, is the image the World has of Nigeria. We must consciously present Nigeria better. All Nations hide their bad sides and expose the good to us.
* We need a UNITED VISION for Nigeria. If only 50% of Nigerians have a clear and united vision of where we should be in 10 years, that is enough steam to propel us into a better future.
* On power, there is need for decentralization of power plants and distribution.
* On Power, if we could have a plan, for each State Government to commit to 200mw every 4 years. That is 7400mw every term. 29600mw every 16 years.
Q&A
Mr. Sunnie Moniedafe
* What should we do about tribalism? Sunnie is from Delta, grew up in Nasarawa, married to Westerner and lives in Abuja. Where can he hold public office?
Dr. Victor Iyama
* State of Origin against State of Residence. There’s need to reverse this to give Nigerians better citizenship and a sense of belonging.
* A check into Federal Character, and give an all inclusive government to the people.
* Legislature must be on part time to save cost of governance. They will receive Sitting Allowances.
Abubakar (Nigeria)
* We need a customized democracy, fits Nigeria alone.
Mardique (Europe)
* abolish State of origin and use State of Residence.
Dunni (France)
* what plans does Nigeria have for hydrogen powered vehicles?
* What does Nigeria have to sell to the world if crude oil fails?
* What plans does Nigeria have for the fashion industry?
* How can we improve the power supply to Nigerians?
Tola Samuel (London)
* In these days of e-learning, what is Nigeria’s plan for Students in the remote areas?
* Can the Government make a standard arrangement with Internet Providers to service Students and encourage more e-learning as it is globally?
Mary (USA)
* There is need to remove immunity to curb bad leadership and mismanagement on the side of elected Leaders.
* There must be United goals to move the Nation forward.
* She craves to return to her land where security of her life and properties are secured.
Kennedy Angbo (Nigeria)
* As a next generation Politician, I expect that the next generation of leaders must reach out to the people and keep the people informed about government activities and their own role. The people must be informed.
There were various responses to these questions by:
Ajuri Ngelale, SSA to the President on Public Affairs and
Ime Okon, SSA to the President on Infrastructure.
In particular, Ime wishes to see, in 10 years, a Nation that is built on meritorious integrity and Honour.
I concur!
These conversations will continue.
