HELGA
I am cognizant of the fact that the government's withdrawal from hosting this fiesta would ve some effects on Nigeria's image.However,whatever that is,it's not commensurate with the benefits of not hosting the event.It is a sad reality that Nigeria would ve to do more than hosting any international event to clear her name.
The perception of Nigeria and her people by other states cannot be changed by a Football tournament.As I ve already stated above,we ve hosted some events in the past.They ve only being a source of wasting scarce resources.We hosted The Festival of Black Art and Culture(FESTAC)in 1977,FIFA Junior World Cup in 1999,Meeting of Commonwealth Heads of State & Governments, & All African Games somewhere around 2003 or 2004.All these events gulped Billions of Dollars.What do we have to show for that?NOTHING!!!
The Cross River State of Nigeria(a federating unit)has spent it's time creating the enabling,friendly & conducive environment to attract tourist.That is paying off.That state is now a choice destination for both local & international tourist.THE WORKED FOR IT!
There are no two ways about this.If you want tourist into your country,you must have attractions and a secured environment.Without that,if you like,host all the "Host of Heaven" in your country every month,you will not reap the fruit of tourism.YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR IT!
Now you gave me an example of the Dubai Airport.They did not conjure it into existence.They did not wait until they want to host their Dubai Desert Masters Classic(a High Profile yearly international Golf tournament )before they built their airport.They spent their money in building that glamorous Airport(an infrastructure) which is an architectural master piece, to encourage people to fly and attract tourist.What a better way?An Airport,which is an important infrastructure turning into a tourist attraction.That is using one stone to kill two beds.NOW!THAT'S WHAT AM TALKING ABOUT!
PROGNOSIS
If we want our imagine to improve,we must create an enabling environment in this country by:
1.Truly and sincerely fight corruption to a stand still or at worst a bearable level;
2.Resolve the internal contradictions that have enveloped all spheres of the Nigerian Social formation since we gained political independence.This would promote peace & national unity that would lead to the;
3.Enhancement of the security of lives and property of all persons in Nigeria at all times;
4.Encourage Nigerians to have a high sense of RESPECT FOR HARD WORK;
5.Investing heavily in the Nigerian people.This include:Education,Health,Sanitation & Social welfare,etc;
6.Development of a new national ethos and/or value system.This would include our political culture and our perception of politics,and our relation to the state and its institutions.
7.Building our economy via diversification and reduction of our dependence on Oil & Gas for revenue.This would also involve a concerted effort to attain internal food security by investing in modern agricultural methodologies and techniques.
Until we are able to do the above, among others,I am afraid,this country's image will not improve.I know once again,I will be given the tag of being an unpatriotic citizen,by some.But if speaking the truth and proffering viable solutions to our national dilemmas make me one,I have no apologies.I am glad to live with the tag.lol!
Development is not a magical or metaphysical process as some would want us to believe.it is EARNED.We must work assiduously to attain it.Like my erstwhile H.O.D and Lecture would warn:"You cannot achieve greatness in this department with the practice of PLAYBOYISM.You must work assiduously.Lest you will be heading towards your own destruction at your own peril".lol.hahahahahaha!We used to mock him by imitating him.But it's TRUE!
We must put all hands on deck to achieve greatness.
Great Regards
Fortune.
Posted: at 28-10-2008 11:51 PM (16 years ago) | Upcoming |
|