For every human challenge, a great mind sees the merit of the situation. Such is the crises that are faced by developing nations such as Nigeria.
It's no story that our health sector is below standard, although the enabling environment is non-existent in the country. Our experts seek asylum or life-abroad in other countries to make a living while our political system does not encourage stopping the brain -drain. Trust is missing...marking the death of patriotism.
In the face of the pandemic, it's obvious the emergency response for States and the Nation needs review. It exposes our lack of concern for statistics and defense against human and chemical warfare. While some African countries have openly accepted it, we are yet to realize that Nigeria is at War...the The global village is under the siege of a Scientifically Enhanced Virus (SEV). While our investment in research is questionable, our drive to manage the situation is often marred by the trust between the citizen and it's leadership, both gunning for each other's throat rather than working together as one.
Infrastructure, the mechanism for institutional growth does not attract government support. The migration from rural to urban areas dwindles the available infrastructure that could have mitigated the situation. Multiple Taxation treats by local authorities, etc create a gap between the class, destroying the essence of partnership. MDA's work dependently, marring the opportunity to share and achieve a common goal.
While we accepted the strategic renaming of the former Ministry of Communications, one can feel the void by its silence over so many issues that should have taken flight since the epidemic turned pandemic. While NITDA and NCC are looking at the scene, they should be participating in the fight for the common good. State Government hindered the viable networks that could have been erected by Service Providers, focusing on Rural Areas to promote development while parliament does not realize the need for policies to improve storage and exchange of information at affordable but secured channels. With the Communications Ministry in the lead, collaboration amongst all actors would benefit the country.
Recently, I noticed that the text messages of the NCDC were a repetition. It could have been used to guide the citizen and also generate data for monitoring and evaluating the situation, track and develop approaches to alleviate the affected citizens. Such data could have given the ease to trace and support, collaborating with different agencies to develop a *Threat Level* and *Action Plan*. With a feedback channel, it would have influenced what needs to be done, questions, and focus, all in the bid to nip the virus in the bud. It's not too late.
Recall, that it is taking the NIMC ages to simply allow automated registration. What they have online is how to use your Identification Number without a Card; No registration. We have biometric apps that could easily synch your fingerprint with such an app. Do not forget that most Nigerian Banks and Service Providers have our biometric. Over a cup of Palmwine, we could have synchronized the available data. With such data, one can monitor and devise control measures for the spread of any virus or situation. We could kick-off this strategy now since CACOVID is ready to sponsor.
With the house-to-house inspection, collaborating with various agencies and volunteer NGOs, we can access, reaffirm data and strengthen the relationship between citizen and leadership on care and support. We can map the infection flow and encourage public action on how best to flatten the curve. Using past records, we can activate all Red Cross Members and Peer Educators; passion overpay. This would present a formidable backup for any government intervention.
If we can jettison the politics, this would be our way to confirming our total strength; our near accurate population figure. This might also avail us the opportunity to generate and distribute the National Identification Card and measure other utilities that need government attention. The ease of navigation and fumigation is equal to a responsive representation. Our networks of roads and drainages can be better addressed during this period.
Recently, we got another windfall from savings by one of our past leaders. Such funds, according to global bodies, are to be spent on investing in the communal growth of a nation. This is a crisis that should bring us together, rather than divide us.
Historically, such pandemics come every twenty (20) years. I believe that this is how nurture meets nature to create a balance; we need to take advantage of it rather than lose hope. We all have a role to play. Local Content is a key ingredient in this scene; we must accept and promote what we can generate for sustainable survival.
It's a time for national rebirth.
Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo is the Secretary to the Governing Board of the Association for Information and Communication Technology Local Content (ICTLOCA), the official industry body for Local Content Practitioners in ICT across all sectors(Oil and Had, inclusive). He writes from Ogun State.
