All is now set for the official commissioning of the PDP restoration network and the plateau state chapter is wasting no time in its tracks as regards the party’s quest for victory in the coming elections. It is true they say, “he who fails to plan plans to fail” that is why the state chapter of the restoration network has gone to work in preparing for its soon coming task of restoring the states glory in peace, tourism and commerce before the world as it plans to build a strong economy for the good people and the Nigerian nation at large when its candidates emerge victorious come the 2019 general elections. .
Economic growth and development is a critical aspect that affects every nation as it sets the tone for living standards of the people and progress of the nation. It is a task so sensitive and so much that concerns it rests upon the blend between the government’s responsibilities and that of the people. This means, the success or failure of an economy rests a great deal upon its leadership abilities and the peoples efforts as well. Amongst these responsibilities, we have policy implementations favorable to economic activities, infrastructural development, as well as the security of lives and properties of the people. Owing to this, it is very important that capable hands should be the ones elected into positions of government. Those capable of having a the required vision in sensitive positions, those capable of surrounding themselves with the best and brightest minds and those who would pay attention to the voice of the people in making decisions that will serve the nation’s best interest.
Through time, we have seen undeveloped and weak economies grow into economic giants in so many places and this is achievable not through wishful thinking but through well-meaning policy implementations and active participation of the public and private sector in the economic process. Economies like that of China, Indonesia, south Korea, and India amongst others were able to overturn their economic status and elevate the living conditions of the people through government actions in infrastructural development, policies implementation and support for Small and Medium Enterprises over the last few decades and today, they have found their place in the front rows of global economic powers and yet, they show no sign of backing down as they press on to greater heights. China for example states that with the next decade 20% of its population will be multi-millionaires and this will position it to become the world’s largest economy.
Coming back home, Plateau state, like many other states in our nation is richly blessed with Human and Naturel resources and has the potentials of growing an economy strong enough to stand toe to toe with the likes of Lagos, Rivers, Akwa ibom, kano and other states alike. In time past, economic activities like Tin mining and tourism put the state on global economic maps as its activities drew investors and tourists from different destinations thereby generating good revenue for further development, through it all, the people were able to capitalize on that economic climate in having a decent standard of living too. Besides just attracting tourists, the states cool climatic condition makes it unique location for the cultivation of certain agricultural products likes the popularly known Irish Potatoes, straw berries and so many vegetables that are demanded in large quantity across the length and breadth of the nation. Again, in this very state existed the all mighty Jos International Breweries, the iconic terminus main market structure (the then largest built market in west Africa) the Gold and base mining company, the bricks molding mining corporation and other great business establishments capable of generating billions of naira and creating a world class economy and tourist location.
So, how did it all go wrong? How did the many different companies and factories shut down operations over time with the coca cola bottling plant being the latest to do so and as a result lay a large number of its employees off? How did the state turn from a reputable tourist location to having our tourism industry deteriorate out of shape? How did the margin of our agricultural output shrink as a result of the brutality our farmers face in the hands of evil perpetrators as they work their farm lands? And most of all, what could be done about it? Just like any other nation, people and location in this world, trying times will come, difficulties will arise and storms will rage, but what matters most at the end of the day is our ability to pick ourselves up and push further ahead avoiding the temptation of time wastage in the blame game. We must forget the pitfalls of yesterday, put in our very best today and trust in God as we work harder to build a brighter tomorrow. For failure isn’t in falling to the ground or getting it wrong, refusing to pick yourself up to try again and again is the true disaster and this draws the thin line between success and failure.
The government has to step up in its responsibility to the people and the economy. Policies must be implemented to attract investors in different sectors, our tourism industry has to be revived and developed into world class standards, our agricultural industry must be developed vast enough to serve large scale economic purposes, our people must have access to the much needed finical support system in transforming their million dollar ideas into large industries and corporations to serve and improve the economy and the standards of living; our people must feel and remain safe as they go about their activates in the farms and market places and most of all, the government must live up to its responsibility of putting the people first always and every time as these are the ingredients that will surly make all the difference given the required attention and support.
Dr Umar Mantu, the national convener of the PDP restoration network who is scheduled to be officially commissioning the plateau state secretariat of the network stated that “the network serves as part of efforts towards ensuring the party emerges victorious in all the elective positions in the coming elections” as he believes the party will be providing leaders capable of turning the dynamics and bringing our economy back on the progressive track.
At the last general elections, Nigerians were convinced into voting in an administration that made so many promises, but four years down the line, nothing of true substance has been achieved. Unemployment stands on a higher percentage, poverty is at its all-time high and insecurity seems an even bigger problem than it ever was. Yet, today, they hand us even more promises, seeking our votes once again at the coming elections. Standing where their leadership has led us today, it will indeed be unfair to drag ourselves down this road again. We must all understand that perception is not reality, it is merely what you feel not what you see and in this case, they want us to feel as though their promises carries so much hope for us, but looking back at the last four years, what do you see?
In just a few decades, a wide desert was turned into a beautiful tourist haven and a world class economy raking billions of dollars in annually through diversification and brilliant economic policies. This is what its leader His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and driving force to its greatness had to say in his book MY VISION as regards nations and leadership “when leaders are seen to have the ability to foresee the future as well as the path leading to it, then, they are the best to be handed the power of government to fulfill the promise. However, if we find them wanting or failing to deliver for any reason, we must have them relinquish power to others more capable of realizing the vision”. The time has come for the people to make their choice as to whom they will trust with the affairs of the next four years of this great nation and people. We must have the lives and properties of our people feel secure again, we must stair our economy back on track again and most of all, we must get Plateau state and Nigeria working again.
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