Search For New Nigeria (26): Technological Advancement And Forth Industrial Revolution -By Richard Odusanya

In the forth industrial revolution and technological adventures; it becomes so appalling for a nation like Nigeria, the industrial hub for the black continent, the largest population of black and the biggest economy in the continent of Africa, to be struggling with mundane issues like cattle rearing, grazing and cows welfare; notwithstanding the other very serious concerns ranging from poor leadership, election rigging, kidnapping, killings, banditry, insurgency, political instability.

While we are busy struggling with mundane issues of cows; the world has moved on to the level of visiting space at will. Just some days ago, it was an exciting news about the sojourn to space by the renowned industrialist, Richard Branson and many other technological advancements here and there. These and more alike should be our immediate, short and long term targets to attain similar fate. It is doable. We need to be more proactive, focused, and aim for the very best in emerging world of globalization.

Unfortunately, our beloved nation is entangled in a retrogressive and uncivilized approach to issues, such as the recent unresolved issue of #TwitterBan. It is a very unpleasant development with debilitating effects, so much so that it doesn’t look good in the modern world where our vibrant youths find solace in the emerging global market. This is ridiculously inimical and unacceptable in the digital age where issues are resolved amicable in the boardroom or diplomatically.

Democracy have taken flight, our space have been invaded by totalitarianism leading to autocracy; intimidation of the media outfits for playing their constitutional roles as the forth realms ‘watch dogs’, constant harassment of law abiding citizens and abuse of power. Further to the inglorious reprehensible actions tailored towards totalitarianism, the draconian laws; “Press gaggling bill” to completely stifled the media space is currently in the national assembly. This and many others are the issues threatening our democracy at the moment.

Over 33 percent unemployment rate, Job lost, hunger, killings, kidnappings, banditry, insurgency, cronyism, clannishness, nepotism and political instability have further been compounded by the way and method that issues that could have been resolved amicably has further been complicated by carelessly engaging in ego tripping. Issues that could have been resolved amicably in a diplomatic manner are allowed to fester unnecessarily for too long.

In all of the pressing issues confronting the nation and her citizens, particularly, the restive youths, somehow, it seems like solutions are completely out of sight, thereby resulting in situations that are inimical to the global trends and affects the brains and abilities of our compatriots to productively engage with the modern world and catch up with the global community where technological advancement has become the engine room in the forth industrial revolution. It is a matter of commonsensical for us to build a better society, than to continue to massage the egos of a few overfed cats in our system.

Yours truly is a living witness and participated in no small measure to shut down the “Tenor elongation third term agenda”. My dearest brother and friend Mallam Garba Shehu, Dr Adinoyi Ojo Onukapba of blessed memory, my younger brother Prof Adeolu Akande and I as a resource person to the team, saw it from close distance. Unfortunately, today as I ruminate about the pain, sacrifice and the future of our dear nation Nigeria, I am heavily burden sensing the ominous danger as the case may be, with the anti democratic tendencies of the current dispensation.

The verdict of history, verdict of posterity and the judgment of God Almighty will be very harsh on everyone who will stand on the wrong side against the collective interest of the majority of our compatriots, home and abroad, including the interest of Nigeria as a nation under God.

Our political and civic space is currently being threatened and stifled by the elements of retrogression. We owe it a duty to act wisely.

Imagine how much we have lost materially and the pain, agony and frustration of our compatriots across board, particularly the youths. As a nation destined for greatness, we need to move forward with a clear departure from the jackboot mentality and knee-jack reaction to is issues that requires tactical approach and engagement, so that we do not miss out from the benefits of the forth industrial revolution. Arise ‘O compatriots.

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE (ACRI).