Although this is a "waiting period" all over the country-with everyone holding their breaths for the various cabinet lists in the Federal and State Governments- there were a few sliver linings that kept us smiling. In my "Bayelsa development" world, there were no school visits as this is half term for Government schools. However, I was part of a team to host some foreigners interested in investing in Bayelsa State. For those who do not know, Bayelsa State is blessed with natural resources including crude oil. The State produces oil palm, rice, cassava, amongst other food crops, fish and other sea foods. With the sea as its neighbor, the State has great potential for tourism. The presence of oil makes the State a good location for businesses servicing the oil industry and those in the petrochemical industry. (This is my "invest in Bayelsa" pitch, for more details send me an email at tonbofa@gmail.com)
This team of investors, based in Europe, are interested in our oil palm industry. They visited the State owned oil palm factory and its environs. The meeting went well and we are moving on. Recently, the Bayelsa State Governor signed a MOU with Hyundia to establish a fabricating yard in the State to increase employment opportunities for our youth. These were indeed events that left us smiling and hopeful of more things to come.
Let me explain the reason why the visit of investors is a big deal to the State. I visited a community in Sagbama to meet with the CDA STARS at 11 am and I noticed a group of young boys- about 15 in number-sitting down by the "water-side" (our local term for the jetty) just lounging. Upon realising that we were from the State Government, the group were very welcoming and tailed us to the school. They hung around during our visit and even participated when I met with the parents of the CDA STARS. They lauded the project and Chief Timipre Sylva (the Bayelsa State Governor) but asked me when a project to ensure their employment will be brought to them. I explained to them that due to the civil unrest arising from militancy, many businesses fled the State and have not returned. But with their co-operation with the State Government to reduce crime, these businesses will return and will create employment for them.You can imagine my joy at the influx of investors (phew- evidence that the co-operation to curb insecurity is yielding results).
Every celebration was however, wiped away when we saw the pictures of the aftermath of the bombings in Abuja and Borno.
Why can't all Nigerians co-operate with the various levels of Government to ensure the direction of our nation's movement is forward? Why should groups with selfish interests hold back the nation, especially in such a harmful manner? This is not a time for trading blames or wishing another "type" of leader was at the helms of affairs, we have gone through the elections, voted in leaders of our choice, let us give them a chance to work.
All Nigerians should join hands with the Government to put an end to this type of violence that is suddenly the "fad" in the country. My heart goes out to all those who lost their loved ones or property and those who lie injured in the wake of these criminal acts. Really, where are we in Nigeria today? You can tweet you thoughts at @tonbofa.
School visits to resume next week. Till then....
Nice one again O
ReplyDelete