Presidential Solar Project: Should Nigerians still have hope in power sector?

It is with deep sorrow and a flummoxed mind that we witness the approval of the installation of solar panels consuming billions in the Presidential Villa.

It seems to be alarming that there will be no time to fix the sabotage in the power sector. The installation places fear and discouragement in our hope of a progressive development in human and technological civilization.

Years ago, the government of Saudi Arabia reportedly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to enhance energy cooperation and promote capital investment in the oil and gas sector. Aside from multiple donations for power embossment and another developmental project from other nations across the world. Hence, the mindset of the leaders and their crippled mode of leadership did not allow us to witness stable power.

The Nigerian government refuses to fix the problem, the power sector in particular, which has now impaired the functionality of our industries and academic institutions, dissipating the future fate of our educational and economic systems.

We must realize that the absence of standard electricity in Nigeria is a vital reason we do not have sound creative innovations as inputs that could contribute to the technological world. As we now live in a world where the Internet of Things has become prominent, Nigerians cannot afford to be left out of the technological competition.

I know eruditely from my perspective that there are young, aspiring people whose productivity could make a difference in the digital world, but that productivity, creativity, and innovative minds are being shrouded in the daily frustrations of today’s realities.

As a young student, I discern the possibility of creating a better Nigeria if, and only if, we could have stable electricity. I have seen numerous opportunities despite adversity but… oops! How long will we continue to suffer in silence? How long will it take to bring sustainable development into action? How long will it take? These are questions we must confront and answer if we are to realize our potential.

We all witness the darkness of the darkest night, the warmth of the warmest room, and the phobia of dying from an infection or disease. Today, sixty years after independence, the Nigerian government still fails to provide electricity, water, healthcare, education, and security to its citizens.

In a world where electricity has become a fundamental factor of industrialization, and industrialization a driving force of development, Nigeria has no place in that regard. History chronicles that we are only capable of creating a better place for ourselves when we make our environment attractive to others — and how else do you think we can make this country attractive?

A better Nigeria is always our dream and hope.

Regards.

Abdurrahman Musa Sahabi can be reached via abdurrahmanmusasahabi92@gmail.com