NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The pre-occupation of the Nigerian government has been economic planning to achieve prosperity and quality, at the same time, the emphasis has been on food crops production, industry, transportation, education and health. A characteristic feature of this plan has been the almost dismal failure to alternate the condition of the vast majority of the population.
Various attempts were made to enhance national development and stability, with no real human involvement in the policy formulation. These were encapsulated in the development plans without considering the mechanism for their implementations. The first 1962 to 1968 second 1970 to 1974, third 1975 to 1980 and fourth 1981 to 1985. All these plans failed.
It then became apparent that despite the availability of human and material resources, the desired dream of development was not achieved hence, drastic economic measures, including the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) but the measure did not bring the expected development. The introduction of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) which was aimed at enhancing National development also achieved nothing.
There are some other problems responsible for the slow pace of development and political instability in the country, despite her huge natural and human resources. These ranges from lack of political will to implement policies to involving Nigerian Youths in policy formulation and implementation and over reliance on foreign ideas for national development.
Bad leadership, corruption emphasis on economic planning without systematic implementation of the plans and lack of involvement of vibrant youths have all contributed immensely to under development in the country.
However, Nigerian youths are looking for a fair and just participation and distribution of rewards and services within the Nigerian political system. It is when these demands are not met that they constitute themselves into nuisance and ready materials for desperate politicians to use in truncating the good ideas and concepts of national development.
Nigerian youths must be trained towards self reliance, well oriented towards Nigerian future, rather than immediate results of unplanned political adventure, called thuggery.
Therefore, the youths should constitute themselves into anti corruption crusaders, for national development. If this is done, the society, with lots of resources, will succeed in treating the problems of under development.
Nigeria has a potential to be a great nation but it would require the commitment of all citizens, tomorrow