WE can’t go about attending to our different activities without noticing the good developments around us, even when there are so-called ominous clouds threatening to block our silver linings. I prefer to see the cup half-full than half-empty. Kemi Badenoch and Davido may feast on the imbalance of views on Nigeria; some of my compatriots may join them. But for me and many more citizens of this great country, we shall, this festive season dwell on the joyous tidings of the season. Why should we be sorrowful when there’s to be thankful for?
Yuletide is a time to turn your mood into a joyful one, as you recall what started it all. A gathering of shepherds in a rustic settlement in First Century Palestine was told the Good News of the Birth of Jesus Christ the Saviour. Pronto, overwhelmed with joy, they pushed into the background their discussions on disturbing events probably including Rome’s colonial rule and the region’s inclement weather. They took up the matter of the news of the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and headed for where the Child was born. They went to celebrate the breaking news.
In Nigeria, it’s a pity we don’t feast on good news, which we have aplenty. Instead, we listen to the albums of naysayers. Just look around you, north, east, west and south, you’d find what to be grateful to God for, some alarming problems notwithstanding. The point is, it’s impossible not to have a mix of the weather: cloudy, sunny, rainy, windy, and sometimes fiercely stormy. Each phase is temporary, affording accommodation to our best ability.
So, I come announcing that our country is at this Xmas being endowed with some real good developments to enable us key into the joy of the season, rather than engage in the destructive exercise of complaining and whipping the country and its leaders over what busybodies are mouthing.““For instance, have you noticed that President Bola Tinubu’sreforms are gradually yielding visible fruits?
Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, say in under two years of the government’s policy intervention, Nigeria’s exports are beginning to outpace its imports. Total exports brought in N57.20trn, while imports raked in N42.14trn. Now, observe the maths: we had a trade surplus of more than N15trn, with total trade standing at N99.34trn. If we sustain this over the next few years, predict the experts, Nigeria would overcome her unemployment headaches and heavy dependence on foreign capital to finance strategic infrastructure projects.
We’re gradually on the way to building a solid economy from the home-front efforts.““Another palatable diet to feast on this season: Oil giant, Shell with its partners has approved a $5b investment deal in Nigeria’s Bonga North Deep Offshore Field. This project, the country’s first deepwater oil development in over a decade, is expected to produce an estimated 350 million barrels of crude oil. This breakthrough reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s energy policies under the Tinubu Presidency. The Nigerian leader has also commented on it. ‘’(My) Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on creating a stable and investor-friendly climate to transform Nigeria’s economy,’’ Tinubu said.
Well, still talking oil, we all received the good news from Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The company says in the spirit of Xmas, it’s reducing the price of its Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to N899.50k per litre. The decision, Africa’s first privately-owned oil refinery says, ‘’is to provide much-needed relief for Nigerians ahead of the holiday season.’’
Currently, product is above the N1000 mark. Surely, Dangote is bringing huge succor to the citizens this Yuletide. So why would we be bogged down by doomsday prophets who say nothing good can come out of Nigeria?““Still more good news this end-of-year period: the Federal Government has announced free rides on Nigerian Railway coaches across the land. The government’s decision is to ‘’help cushion the high transportation fare during the Christmas season.’’ The government said the waiver would be from December 20, 2024 to January 6, 2025. Governments exist to alleviate the pains and pangs of the people in times of hardship such as we’re experiencing at the moment. What the government is offering may be short-lived, but it shows our leaders are sensitive to our plight.
The other cheering news that emerged is about the President Tinubu’s drive for food security in Nigeria. While we prepared for Xmas, his administration announced a whopping N30 billion grant to 30 public universities of agriculture to enable them mechanized farming. According to the government, the country would be assured of adequate food if these tertiary weigh in their technological skills in mechanized farming.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
