In spite of the sceptics and naysayers, there is much jubilation across the land (both in Nigeria and in Diaspora) about the just-announced tabulation of the recovery of Nigeria’s looted funds.
The announcement is a good sign; first time in Nigeria for this sort of revelation. Even though the associated names of the miscreants were not released, much to the chagrin of many people, what really matter are the content, value, and utilization of the recovered funds.
Far from what some people in Nigeria think, most of us in diaspora are as connected to the events and sufferings in Nigeria as those directly on the ground. It is a systems world, particular in the present day of fast travel and instantaneous information interchanges. The direct connectivity to Nigeria is felt through travel, depressing messages from relatives at home, and urgent transfers of assistive money internationally. So, the diaspora feels the pains just like everyone else in Nigeria, even if not in direct physical terms. The emotional and financial drains are just as affective. From a world systems viewpoint, what affects home affects the diaspora too. So, it is in the best interest of everyone to embrace and applaud a positive change. The key, from a project execution standpoint, is to sustain and enhance the change.
It is for the above reason that my own advocacy in this development is for the recovered funds to be put to quick, direct, tangible, visible, and traceable uses. A lag in the utilization of the recovered funds will only heighten the potential for a sinusoidal return to the evaporative coffers of the past.
Let us take heart and look forward to a better outlook for Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural profile in the near future. For such a cherished outlook to materialize, the management of the recovered funds must be approached from the platform of rigorous program management strategies devoid of political underpinnings. Everyone must join hands to make this happen. Of course, those entrusted with handling the recovered funds will have to take the lead in this movement. Act fast and resolutely, the clock is ticking. May the force of Nigeria propel the collective efforts!
Written by Adedeji Bodunde Badiru.
abadiru@gmail.com
