Peace be unto every eyes reading this insightful write-up, permit me to begin with the quotable quote;
"As we look forward into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others---Bill Gates...
Yes, we thank God the change a larger chunk of Nigerians so much crave is finally here with the emergence of Gen Buhari as President and Prof Osinbajo as Vice President respectively. Part of the agenda of this regime is the implementation of the 5000naira monthly stipend for unemployed Nigerian youths, this sounds laudable right..
Yes, it has been declared that the government is hoping to pay 5000naira cash to 20million various bank accounts of some selected jobless Nigerian Youths, the yardstick for the selection, I don't know.
Now let's go mathematical, 5000naira * 20million proposed beneficiaries = 100billion naira monthly..
100billion naira * 12months = 120billion naira expended on this social scheme.
I can categorically opine that this proposed project is dead on arrival owing to the following assumptions:
(1). The Eventual Politicking of the Scheme..
Take it or leave it nepotism is an intrinsic nature of the black man, which might not likely change for centuries to come.
Ex President Jonathan actually meant good with his Sure-P scheme but it was later on hijacked by party faithfuls who diverted it for selfish ends and bet it, APC is not an exception. An average Nigerian Politician is gullible and selfish. Don't be surprised, you will eventually have to go begging a local party co-ordinator for a slot and don't be surprised, an influencial party chieftain will have a thousand slots linked to his pocket with different names.
(2). A Poignant Backlash from Unconsidered Applications.
Let's be truthful, there is no perfect system anywhere in the world. During the course of selecting the beneficiaries of this scheme, some merited applications would surely be omitted and trust Nigerians backed up with FOI bill, they would practically pull down the government on twitter and facebook with various caricatures and despicable articles.
(3).The OsunState Specimen..
Baba Kabiru actually embark on social welfare programmes such as the O' meal, O' arugbo, O'Yes e.t.c.. It first looks good but the resultant effect is now O'Debt...You don't dish out fish rather, you teach people how to fish themselves thereby making ends meet..
4). Advent of Wastefulness and Irresponsibility among Youths.
The money is meagre I agree but it could still afford a reasonable quantity of Goldberg, Trophy and Orijin bottles (little money sooner spend eh) but before You lavish that which you work for, you will surely think twice, infact the Oloshos will receive the 5k cash from the guys that same night the alert is received.
The government should dispute this by conducting an independent survey into the sales level of bars, eatries, leisure spots, brothels e.t.c, 3days after the payment of the stipend...
SUGGESTED WAY FORWARD..
(1). Heavy investment of the proposed money into infrastructural development.
As at 1989, the Ado Ekiti textile industry has the capacity to employ 7500 workers both directly and indirectly, so unfortunate kodurosoke converted it into shops.
The Oluwa Glass Industry at Igbokoda as at 1996 has the capacity to employ 13,000 workers directly and indirectly.
I could go on till you say stop to mention various moribund industries which, if revitalitized will mop off an appreciable chunk of youths from the labour market.
Other industries and infrastructure could as well be initiated and developed into international standard to meet export requirements..
(2). Availability of Repayable Non-Interest Loans..
Of course, God has blessed us in Nigeria with intelligence and a distinctive drive for success..
The Government should provide a reliable scouting network to hunt for talented and hardworking youths, then make available this loans to them with punitive measures put in place to punish defaulters.
BENEFITS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED WAYFORWARDS.
1). Rise of SMEs (small and medium scale enterprises)..
With the provision of the non-interest loans, Nigeria will witness a boon in SMEs.
2). Government will be able to boost internally generated revenue through taxes from employed individuals, SMEs and established industries.
3). More business will thrive due to a corresponding increase in the purchasing power of the masses.
4). Rise of the Bourgeoisie.
There is nothing as middle class in Nigeria, it's either you are rich or you are poor, but if these measures are taken into consideration, the bourgeoisie shall rise which signifies a developed economy...
