Between 2008 and now, we have witnessed various reforms and economic programs championed by different governments. There was NEEDS then Seven Point Agenda and now President Jonathans Transformation Agenda. You will agree with us that none of these policies have put a smile on the “ordinary” Nigerian.

As a nation, we have targets to meet. One is the MDGs goal of 2015 and the Vision 2020 of becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world. Using our telescopic lens, we can categorically say that we are merely chasing the wind. The present world economies were not built on words of mouth alone.

This reflection sheds light on a destructive mentality common to Nigerians and proposes an ANTIDOTE for Nigeria’s development.

As a young child, how often did your parents allow you access to their electronic gadgets? – electronic organisers etc They probably made them NO GO area. Better still, they kept them away from your reach and never cared to explain what use they are put.

Parents of the older generation, kept their gadgets away because they felt those gadgets were expensive, and children should not play with them. In contrast, wealthy parents of our time, buy expensive phones/gadgets for their teenage children as a way of showing class. Like the parents of old, they miss the mark of teaching their children about the value and core use of such gadgets. Again, they place much importance on cost and not value.

When a friend tells you he just got a new phone, the first question an average Nigerian will ask is, “How much did you buy it?” Why don’t we ask questions like, what new features does it have? Can you edit documents on it? Does it support Multi-task? etc

Nigerians are quick to boast about the amount they purchase electronic gadgets. It is common to hear sayings like, “I bought my phone for 100,000 naira”. This revolves around showing off class; even when we grossly abuse, underutilize and misuse these gadgets.

It is not far-fetched, why Nigeria has become a haven of consumers; marketing ground for productive countries and dumping ground for non-standard products. How can people who don’t produce tell the difference between standard and non-standard products?

If we must stop being a consumer nation, we need to groom the younger generation and provide a blueprint for unborn Nigerians. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The Nigeria government should see that EVERY CHILD has access to qualitative education - regardless of tribe, religion or family status.

Parents, let your children know the value of the things you buy for them and place less emphasizes on the amount you bought them. Study your child and other young children around you. Help them identify and groom their talents. When they ask you questions, don’t shun them off. No matter how foolish their questions seem; provide intelligent answers to them.

They are our FINAL AND ONLY hope; all the visions and hopes we look to achieve lie with these children. Educate every child, SAVE NIGERIA.

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