A Coalition of Civil Society Organisastions has unveiled a flagship project entitled: ‘Nigeria First’, vowing to rid Nigeria of negative stereotypes, misrepresentations from within and outside the country.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony and media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Project Coordinator, Hamza Umar-Saulawa, said “enough is enough to the forces misrepresenting Nigeria and everything about Nigeria”.
According to him, the project comprises bold, vibrant and dynamic Nigerians, including key players from the civil society and development space with a zeal and passion for the country.
He said: “We have conceptualized Nigeria First Project, to say enough is enough to internal and external forces that are busy undermining our country, overheating the body polity, misrepresenting Nigeria and everything about Nigeria.
“We true believers in Nigerian project, the most populous black nation on earth, the giant of Africa with immense potential in men and material are fed up with the smear campaign against our country.
“We say No to those who mislead millions of our compatriots into believing that there is nothing good about Nigeria.
“Contrary to the campaign against Nigeria by cynics, we have seen a brighter future for Nigeria. For example, Nigeria has the biggest economy in Africa with a GDP of $514 Billion. During the third quarter of 2023 our GDP rose by 3.46 from 2.54.
“Nigeria is the tenth oil producing country in the world. With proven reserves of 37billion barrels, Bonny Light which is the best and sought after all over the world.
“Nigeria has over 84 million hectares of arable land with competitive advantage in producing cotton, palm oil, Sorghum, Cassava etc.
“We are blessed with 44 minerals that are exportable. Nigeria has a healthy, young and vibrant population with age median of 18.6 years.
“With patience and consistent reform implementation, Nigeria can realize its objective of attaining $1 Trillion economy by 2026.”
Mr Umar-Saulawa, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for making bold steps towards salvaging the country from corrupt systems and citizens.
He said: “The present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,has campaigned vigorously during the last general elections, promising to end a corrupt -ridden fuel subsidy regime.
“On 29th May, 2023, the president took the initial painful but necessary step by announcing end to an untransparent system.
“Consequently, our fuel imports have now reduced by 50 per cent. The FAAC shared for the 3 tiers of government rose from N11.7 to 26.04. Although the subsidy removal is accompanied by rising cost of living, it has the prospects of making the oil sector very competitive, and neutralizing a menace called oil cartel.
“Reversing to the corrupt fuel subsidy regime in which oil cartel and their collaborators held sway,in our candid opinion is not the uhuru.
“We anticipate government at sub-national level to utilize the windfall from the subsidy removal to improve the living condition of their people.
“We believe that for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production it must increase its capacity in refining.
“Therefore, with the commencement of operation by Dangote refinery and the recent cheering news by the GMD, NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari that in the next coming 2 weeks, the Port Harcourt refinery will resume operation, we have confidence that the end to fuel Palaver in Nigeria is in sight.
“One of the qualities of a good citizen is patience. We Nigerians should continue to exercise patience and support our leaders so that they will be able to deliver on their pledges.
“Nigeria first, is a citizen-driven civic Initiative aimed at motivating young Nigerians not lost hope in the viability of their country. It deploys bottom-up approach by engaging the youth, to have a change of mindset about Nigeria.
“This is our country, and we don’t have any other country. So, let us play the role of good citizens by showcasing the good about Nigeria. We have vibrant Nigerian youth who are now leading in Fintech, Nollywood, Arts and Musics and other sectors, this means like in every clime, there are good and noble people in Nigeria.
“There are also good efforts this government has made, let us motivate the leaders. For example, let us encourage president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to implement Oronsaye Report to reduce the cost of governance.
“The payment of allowance to unemployed youth and cash grant to 11 million households, students loan scheme, etc are some of the good policies of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu that deserve commendation.
“We believe in non-violent approach. Violence begets violence. And there is nowhere in history where violence brings any sustainable solution. Today, the countries that choose violence to resolve their challenges are regretting. So let the youth understand this.
“God will punish those who are praying for military coup d’etat to happen in Nigeria. Nigeria has already passed through such dark time, and there nothing nostalgic about. In fact, it led us into civil war, which up to now,we are yet to recuperate.
“So, democracy is the best system. And it is only via democracy, Nigeria can realize its full potential. Democracy gives power to the citizens to decide who will lead them, while this is not the case under other autocratic system.”
