…Citizens Summit Report

By Prosper Okoye, Abuja

The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has proposed ideas to address the country’s socio-cultural, political, and economic problems. However, concerns have arisen among stakeholders regarding the implementation of these suggestions, considering Nigeria’s reputation for a lack of follow-through.

“It is our hope that all concerned will muster the needed courage, will, and resources to ensure that the recommendations of the report are translated into concrete actions.

“It is also our hope that as the new administration settles down to the business of governance, it will find this report especially useful in the area of policy formulation,” NIPR President Zubairu Sirajo said yesterday during the public presentation of the report in Abuja.

Explaining the origin of the report, the President stated that it demonstrates patriotism and the willingness of Nigerians at home and abroad to solve the issues in Nigeria and contribute to national development.

“Our analysis of the situation revealed various problems in the country. The youth is losing hope, and the trust gap between the people and state institutions is growing rapidly.

“Social tensions are rising throughout the country, and there are violent aspirations and agitations that threaten the very foundation of our nation.

 “It is clear that there is an urgent need for a new approach to building consensus among citizens and between citizens and the leadership,” he said.

Speaking as the Chairman of the event, Chief Tony Akiotu pointed out that the collapse of Nigerian society began with the loss of moral standards, especially among contemporary youths.

“I used to reminisce with a sense of positive appreciation for our values and the way we lived in the early ’70s. However, things have deteriorated to the point where the average Nigerian youth only dreams of leaving the country, which is referred to as the ‘Japa syndrome,’ rather than focusing on how to build Nigeria.”

“When mentoring them, they see you as part of the problem of Nigeria, attributing the failures of the Nigerian state to adults. They believe that the best course of action is to leave you behind, which is quite unfortunate,” he said.

On the other hand, youth representative leaders expressed the opposite view. “There are willing young individuals in the country who are eager to be mentored,” argued Nesimone Omamuyowvi, President of the Nigerian Youth Governance Summit.

“There are young individuals who are willing to engage those in government intellectually, rather than resorting to carrying placards and blocking the streets. Their goal is to ensure proper representation that can eventually bring about the Nigeria of our dreams,” he added.

Zaid Alhaji, President of the Arewa Youth Council, told DAILY ASSET that it is a misconception to claim that all youths want to ‘Japa.’

“Even if a Nigerian youth wishes to leave the country, it is because they aspire to achieve something that the Nigerian nation does not currently provide them with the opportunity to pursue. We all want to grow and make a lasting impact that will be remembered forever,” he said.

Chairman, Report Writing Committee, Professor Andrew Haruna admonished the youths not to despise the days of humble beginnings.

Lamenting the current state of affairs, he expressed, “It is difficult to distinguish between a university student and a truck pusher by the roadside due to their dressing and appearance.”

He passionately urged them to wholeheartedly support the Reboot Nigeria project, which the report aims to achieve.

According to the Council and Executive Director of the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, the report consists of “165 pages printed in full color, conceptualizing the Nigeria 2.0 framework across 15 critical areas and presented in 17 chapters.”

He further mentioned that the report encompasses approximately 100 recommendations that emphasize sustainability, with a focus on the roles of communities and citizens, governments, legislatures, and the National Institute of Public Relations.

In separate goodwill messages, stakeholders expressed their intention to present the report to the President and ensure that he reads it thoroughly. They also emphasized the need for extensive public enlightenment regarding the provisions contained in the report.