OUR REALITY

We have come to a cross road of some sorts, clearly the faces of the people cannot betray the pain, hurt and disappointment of many failed promises. A dark cloud hovers the face of the earth, indeed these are evil days as the Prophets proclaim; Leaders elected fearlessly waste resources and have followed their own selfish passions. Once their political objectives are achieved, the people are no longer relevant after election; a very familiar trait, the same circle of faces year in year out.
Howbeit every sitting in the house of assembly has become a mockery of democracy incurring an outrageous sitting allowance that ought to be diverted into creating a stable educational system for the future generation. They engage in meaningless talk shows ignoring the very obvious plight of the people. Their so-called meetings are likened to a fashion parade with legislatures adorned in 'OIL' gold, designers label and swaying agbadas, you may even spot a few with mouths opened wide nodding to sleep during session in the face of cameras.
The common man is plagued by poverty; he has little or no cravings for super wealth as long as the basics are in place being food, drink, power, good road, healthcare and most especially EDUCATION for their children as they were themselves not privileged.
To be a leader is to embrace a life of servant hood to the people, a life of sacrifice and tireless problem solving abilities. Any leadership which does not embrace light remains in darkness and education is that light which liberates and translates into countless possibilities!
The young beautiful girls of Riyom rural community in Plateau State Nigeria have not only witnessed the horrors of genocide but have not seen the walls of a classroom in over one year of being displaced. For these girls, going to school had always been a challenge due to financial reasons especially when there is no access to free quality education or scholarship to support promising students from challenged homes. In the face of the on-going boko haram extremist crisis in Northern Nigeria where women and children are not spared; situations have worsened as their parents who have been peasant farmers of carrot, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables were murdered, raped and massacred by the Islamic extremists who are politically operating in guise to wipe out defenseless Christians . All source of livelihood have been lost; their houses and belongings were burnt and farmlands which has been their only income, intentionally destroyed to ground level by the Fulani attackers. When interviewed by Project D.I.O (doing it ourselves) an NGO supporting communities in crisis, the young girls, expressed a great desire to return back to learning and to their friends in school; some wanted to be teachers, medical doctor, scientist and even pilots when they grow up. Their lovely brown eyes glowed with excitement as they spoke of their dreams for the future. Despite being bruised and battered they are not discouraged. It would be wonderful to see the Government step up to its duty to the people and provide not only quality free education for these girls who have lost parents and everything in the world but step up in providing SECURITY for the citizenry. Countless number of families in Northern Nigeria has been wiped out of existence, women and children burnt beyond recognition and slaughtered like animals almost on a daily basis without any tangible action by Government to eradicate the evil terrorist group known as boko haram, it has been over 12 years this is unacceptable! The recent plea to this monster terrorist group to accept amnesty is questionable and unbecoming of any genuine leadership. Corruption is evident and a move to shield or protect persons responsible for perpetrating these terrorism is clearly evident. The shedding of innocent blood must be brought to an end in Northern Nigeria and where the government of the day has failed to protect its own; the United Nations should rise and intervene to protect defenseless citizens.
It would be nice to know that someone cares; the magnitude of support required in the Northern region due to ongoing crisis is awesome especially as village communities are attacked almost on daily bases. The NGO’s and some good willed Nigerians are helping the communities but this is not enough, much more is required from the government of the day as our children cannot go to school with the fear of being blown to pieces ! The perpetrators must be brought to justice !
Oh yes the land is truly blessed and GREEN yet there is so much poverty in the midst of plenty !! The leadership must be held accountable to the revenue from available resources in the Nation and made to provide the basics to ensure free education of the girl child. Free education that would pay teachers salary, free education that would provide standard chairs and tables for students, free education that would provide standard class rooms facilities and science equipment’s, free education that would make available sponsorship to all outstanding students from poor homes.

When the CAP finally finds the right head to fit, this is achievable in a Land blessed with so many available and untapped resources....