Philanthropy or Propaganda? The Urgent Need for Genuine Development in Ebira Land
Ebiraland's social media space is always singing songs of praise to politicians, philanthropist and well meaning individuals for their supposed interventions in the life of individuals who I refer to as "persons enjoying public pity or sympathy".
With daily news of these persons getting aids in term of monetary and empowerment interventions, some of us ask ourselves the funny-turned-cliche question of –God when?
However another important question to be asked is if these individualistic interventions are done under the purview of development or mere political stunts for public sympathy, propaganda or the societies positive assessment.
While we commend these gestures from our noble Ebira citizens, it is important that we understand that the fabric of development is not individualistic, but a wholistic company of collective development of Ebiraland.
Our focus shouldn't be of social media giveaways, and identifying individuals of special needs as the case is now (even though this is very much needed), but a way of ensuring a thriving local economy with abundance in the dividend of industrialization, entrepreneur, education and innovation.
This is why I commend the Academic Elite Of Ebiraland -AEE for their focus and vision in what seems not to be careful about.
This shouldn't be seen as a stunt of jealousy but a concern for the future of our dear Ebiraland, a region of abundance with endowment in human capital (formal and informal) natural resources, and a geographical terrain for attraction especially for cultural and social tourism. Yet, we grapple with significant challenges including poverty, lack of employment, unfertile land for thriving business etc.
While political office holders and philanthropists have stepped up to identify and assist individuals with specific needs, the pressing concern of shifting their focus to collective beneficial interventions like industrialization, entrepreneurship, and a supportive environment for all youths is of urgent requirement.
Ebira Land is characterized by its non-industrialized economy, with limited opportunities for educated graduates and skilled individuals.
This has created a dichotomy between two categories of youths: educated youths, armed with academic qualifications and theoretical knowledge, who find themselves at a crossroads, facing a lack of employment opportunities within the region and even Kogi State at large; and skilled youths, who possess practical skills in areas such as shoemaking, bricklaying, carpentry, fashion designing.
Infact, a new trend of concern is the recent interest of parents in their wards to go acquire medical knowledge to become auxillary nurses.
Although they are not idle, their potential remains largely untapped due to the absence of local industries and business opportunities. As a result, many of these talented individuals are compelled to leave Ebira Land in search of better prospects in other states.
This exodus not only depletes our human capital but also stunts the development of our beloved region.
This situation echoes the Ebira adage: "We leave our rooftops open but use the palm leaves right in front of our homes to cover that of others." This metaphor poignantly captures the essence of our neglect.
While we extend our support to others, we fail to nurture our own community, risking the future of Ebira Land. If this trend continues, we will witness a transformation of our region into a desolate landscape, primarily inhabited by the elderly who cling to their ancestral homes, while the youth seek opportunities elsewhere.
The vibrant energy that once characterized Ebira Land may fade, leaving behind a barren land devoid of development.
To reverse this trend, we must prioritize the establishment of industries that can harness the skills of our youths. By creating local job opportunities, we can encourage educated and skilled individuals to remain in Ebira Land, fostering a cycle of growth and development. Encouraging entrepreneurship is vital. By providing support for startups and small businesses, we can cultivate a culture of innovation that empowers our youths to create their own opportunities. This will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the overall economic health of our region. Our educational institutions should focus on equipping students with practical skills that align with the needs of local industries. By bridging the gap between education and employment, we can ensure that our graduates are prepared to thrive in the evolving job market.
We must foster a sense of community responsibility among our wealthy individuals and philanthropists. Instead of merely providing handouts for public sympathy, we should encourage them to invest in sustainable projects that benefit the entire community. This could include funding the establishment of an industry, vocational training centers, industrial hubs, and entrepreneurship programs.
As we reflect on the future of Ebira Land, it is imperative that we shift our focus from superficial markers of development—such as road networks and the number of tertiary institutions, who and who have built houses and bought cars and how many wives we have (as the case is now)—to the true indicators of progress: industrialization, entrepreneurship, and a thriving local economy.
If we continue to ignore these calls to action, we risk losing our greatest asset—our human capital.
Let us unite in our efforts to create a flourishing Ebira Land where all youths can thrive, families can escape poverty, and our community can prosper. May our eyes be opened, and our steps corrected for the betterment of Ebira Land. Ameen.
Ishaq Bilal Osaihi
My honest opinion which should be yours as well
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