PASEDA: THE STATE OF SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

Fellow Nigerians, today, we celebrate our Democracy. For Seventeen (17) years, we have experienced various forms of challenges from many parts of the country, however, we are still strong and hopeful for a better tomorrow.

We cannot deny that we have encountered various setback as a country, ranging from Terrorism, Corruption, Militancy, Poverty, etc. We have even tried to paint these setback and make them look political.

If after seventy (17) years of democracy, we are still faced with lots of challenges on issues that are not worth it, then our democracy is not worth celebrating.

Looking at the major sectors and the need of the people, one will agree with me that the following challenges are enough to prevent us from celebrating our expected true democratic system of Government in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

- EDUCATION
Ogun State has had its own fair share of setback, obviously, not in terms of some of the above mentioned, yet, we have struggled to bring these setback under control as we are expected to. We are fighting hard to admit these challenges, rather than strive to curtail them.

Ogun state has the highest number of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, still, our graduates struggle to find their footing in their various fields of study. Ogun state is one of the few States in Nigeria, that owns two State Universities and Seven State polytechnics. But where does this place us in the ranking of states with high standard of living?

- BASIC AMENITIES
Basic amenities that make life enjoyable are obviously absent in many parts of the State. Finding these basic amenities have brought about untold hardship to our dear people.

In many parts of the State, getting water and other basic essentials for our daily living is as difficult as finding gold. We have had to go through tough times to make ends meet.

Ogun State is endowed with Youths who are highly intelligent but falling short of expectation because of the highly limited opportunities before them. Youths with high degree of working capacity, who are still hoping for the dividends of Democracy.

- POVERTY
The rate at which poverty is growing in Ogun State is seriously alarming. We are sad for this is not where we should be at such a period when we should be developing with jet speed.

Poverty is one of the crippling factors towards the growth of a society. Ogun State has more than required to make poverty a thing of the past, however, the wrong usage of our precious resources has put us in a condition where poverty is growing in the State with little efforts by the present day Government at curbing it.

More so, Local Governments are constantly starved of funds for the day-to-day running of their affairs. Since the Local Government is closer to the people than any other tier of the Government, it is expected that they should be well funded to make life meaningful to the residents of their communities.

- INSECURITY
Also, the state of insecurity in Ogun State is worrisome, recently, we heard the shocking News of the kidnap of Senator Iyabo Anisulowo in Yewa. Security is one of the aspects of life that should not be taken with levity.

When we are not secure, we fear even our neighbours. Ogun State previously had an admirable record of peace amongst other States in Nigeria. Until recently when our Government looked the other way which has paved way for insecurity in Ogun State.

- INADEQUATE WELFARISM FOR STATE WORKERS
We should not forget the non-payment of salaries, pensions and other civil servants' entitlements. When people work hard, doing what they are employed to do, and do not get paid as at when due, then they become discouraged at giving their best to their work.

It is noteworthy to remember that these payments are the rights of workers and not a privilege which should be given as at when remembered or considered.

The level at which workers' salaries are being delayed, either deliberately or not, is worthy of serious concern. Several times, even recently, workers of Ogun State Government have had to go on strike, protesting the non-payment of salaries, pensions and other entitlements.

- POOR HEALTH SERVICE
When we consider the poor service rendered to the people of Ogun State when they visit the State owned Hospitals for medical attention, it is saddening that the needed health facilities are not present.

This oversight by the Government on the Health sector has truncated the lives of many who need immediate medical attention, but could not get it as a result of the lack of basic first aid tools and drugs against emergencies.

When the people are healthy, they tend to give their best at what they do to earn a living, but when we can no longer trust the efficiency of the Government to provide these amenities, then fear set in.

Our hospitals are seriously in need of immediate upgrade to meet the standard of developed states. The incessant strike of medical practitioners has done more harm to the health sector in Ogun State, thereby, prolonging the health challenges of many indigenes against their right to be healthy and live long.

- MY PROSPECT
For us, democracy, social progress, and provision of opportunities should always go together, while recognizing that the specific form our democracy takes depends on the choice that we make.

For our Democracy to be meaningful, it must empower us to help ourselves, to shape our destiny, and to influence the world around us.

It is one thing to design democratic institutions, and another to persuade everyone to live by democratic precepts. Yes, the Government has a key role – but so do each and every one of us.

It requires a mindset that is ready to practice democracy, this means turning out to vote and getting engaged in our society.

Democracy can be seen to work when communities and indeed the Government is prepared and able to address opposing views, engage in constructive criticism and forge compromises.

Democracy should provide the most obviously natural environment for the protection of lives and property. It is important to deliver on cultural, economic and social needs – water, sanitation, access to a decent living.

Our core principles should be: participation, non-discrimination, transparency and accountability, to empower our people, communities and deliver equality in the opportunities for all people.

We have our own rights – but also the obligation to foster the rights of others.

Democracy can be seen at its strongest when the society as a whole puts emphasis on protecting the rights of the weakest, those who are in most need of the protection of their rights.

Nigeria, most especially Ogun State, would not have experienced so much setback and stagnation, if the blue print of the late sage, Pa Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo have been followed. These blue prints include: Free and qualitative education; adequate health service; job creation; and security.

We urge all Youths in Ogun state to imbibe the spirit of hard work, which is the foundation upon which Ogun state was built.

I hereby admonish all indigenes and residents of Ogun State to look beyond the present condition of our dear State. Let us continuously emulate the steps of Pa Awolowo, with absolute commitment and ensure that his legacy is forever upheld and cherished through our individual and group contribution to the betterment of our Society.

Long live Nigeria
Long live Ogun State.

Otunba Rotimi Paseda (ORP)
Founder,
Paseda Legacy Founder (PLF)

all these baba that should have contested for office or sponsor their chudren to go and give good leadership instead he's just complaining as usual

k

I still believe we are going to get it right.