By Christian Aburime
In his
rousing Democracy Day dialogue, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo proposed,
among many other strands of agenda setting, a socially responsive noble vision
for Nigeria’s recovery, calling for a “Big Tent/Inclusive Society Agenda”. It
is something similar to the historic “New Deal” and “Great Society” programmes
of former U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Essentially,
Governor Soludo’s well-thought-out proposal vividly captured the state of a
nation grappling with dire straits, necessitating a projection of hope and a
blueprint for a fundamental reordering of national priorities. At the core of
Soludo’s take lies a massive investment in social programmes, particularly
health, education, and social protections, as well as critical infrastructure
development. This should be a bold move to give every Nigerian a stake in the
national cake and secure the future for generations to come.
Drawing
inspiration from Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution on the Directive
Principles of State Policy, Soludo advocated for making these principles
justiciable, transforming them from lofty ideals into enforceable rights. As a
self-proclaimed “Awoist and a true progressive,” Governor Soludo has been
championing the cause of inclusivity and equity in Anambra State, echoing the
spirit of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s egalitarian vision.
In
fact, Soludo’s administration has already set the wheels in motion, offering a
glimpse into the transformative potential of his agenda. For instance, the
introduction of truly free basic education in Anambra by his government has
raised school enrollment by an impressive 18.7%, while the state now boasts the
lowest rate of out-of-school children nationwide. Furthermore, the provision of
free antenatal and delivery services, including caesarean sections, has benefited
over 60,000 pregnant women, with near-zero mortality rates – a remarkable feat
in maternal healthcare.
The
“Big Tent” idea is really an extension of Soludo’s sincere commitment to
breaking the cycles of poverty and inequality that have plagued Nigeria for
generations. “For that roadside pepper seller or hawker,” he declared, “even if
we can’t do anything to improve her condition, we must ensure that her children
don’t end up like her.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of his vision:
a truly inclusive society where every Nigerian, regardless of their
circumstances, has an equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to the
nation’s progress.
The
governor’s ambitious proposal also hinges on the strategic reinvestment of
resources generated from the emergency turnaround in the oil and gas sector, as
well as increased tax revenues. This influx of funds, carefully channeled into
social programmes and infrastructure, holds the promise of a transformative
impact, empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering a more
equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
As
Soludo eloquently stated, “Without this, soon the rich won’t be able to sleep
or walk the street because the poor and excluded are hungry and angry.” These
words serve as a poignant reminder that inclusive development is not merely a
moral imperative but also a pragmatic necessity for social cohesion and
stability.
With
his “Big Tent/Inclusive Society Agenda,” Governor Soludo has issued a rallying
cry for a new era of nation-building, one that embraces the diversity and
potential of all Nigerians, leaving no one behind. As the nation continues to
find a way forward, his vision offers a roadmap to a more just, prosperous, and
united Nigeria – a vision that demands the attention and engagement of all
stakeholders, from policymakers to private citizens.
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