BEYOND THE ORDINARY: ECHOES OF CHANGE IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS.
By Edukpe Ehimiaghe
As government is poised to amass and manage resources for the development of the state and the overall well being of the people, obviously, there are moments that apparently look so dismal in the face of the challenges that are oftentimes a sine qua non in the business of governance, however, you just can’t take away the fact that when those moments come, there definitely will be ushered in period of respites that will make up for those bad times with time. In the face of the ongoing restructuring and reorganization in the system, it is pertinent to realize that a number of factors which had hitherto been uncongenial in certain quarters of the government are receiving laudable changes. Though, they may be unsung because of the fact that the generality of the people have almost become inert to government’s activities over the years due to disappointments. The citizenry as such, seems not to be keen on any positive step taken since there have always been an alternative means for the people to get there things done. In as much as one will not embark on praise singing as it is, but then you cannot take away the fact that whenever something is well done, we should all appreciate it.
In order to meet with global best practices in postal communications and to satisfy the yearnings of the people in this regard, the almost moribund Nigeria Postal Service popularly called NIPOST has caught up with the Re-Branding train to give itself a face lift that will make for a continuous, concerted and sustained postal service system that will meet the need of the people adequately in the 21st century. It may surprise you to realize that a visit to the NIPOST office here in the central district will make you shudder with approval at the numbers of personal computer displayed to handle the job, a move from the analogue to the digitalized system. They may not have got there as it is but they have started something worthwhile which is worthy of acclamation. All of these are traceable to the rebranding move of the Professor in the information and communications ministry, Akunyili. The never-do-well NIPOST of that time is taking giant strides due to the effort of the Minister in that Ministry. As it were, one can categorically say without any shadow of doubt that prior to this time; this particular sector has been ebbing terribly to almost a state of collapse and disrepair, unable to live up to her mandate. As life is injected into it, the story is becoming different by the day. However, as much as it should not sound as an appeal to sentiments, the story is receiving some form of acceptance by those using the service. The EMS service is no longer what it used to be before now. Madam rebranding has stamped her soldierly feet unto this sector, the result is what NIPOST is displaying today. This effort may not appear too salient to all, but it deserves some kudos. It is in doubt a step in the right direction.
With a population of over 140 million people, the role of information cannot be overemphasized as it is one fundamental tool that will foster the timely dissemination of government policies, programmes and activities, projects, initiatives and vision to the populace in general. Especially in a world of ours that has been reduced to a global village due to information super highway which allows information to reach the man on the other side of the divide in a matter of seconds. Human interactions and activities in far flung places like buying and selling have been reduced to a ‘play thing’ via the internet. This means that in an era of globalization, Nigeria and indeed, most developing nations of the world are in big challenge to enlist in totality into this army of information super high way in order to achieve relevance. I want to believe at this point that as this revitalization process is ongoing due to Akunyili’s involvement, all other line sectors are to take a cue and do same to allow the glory of the country to see the light of day.
There are a number of steps that could be taken that will endear a nation to the people outside to take interest in that country. Investors will no doubt be encouraged if certain economic factors are in place. And this at this point is a clarion call to all other arms of the government contiguous to the economic wherewithal of Nigeria to do their best possible for Nigeria to encourage investors to visit Nigeria and do business. There may appear some doubts in the minds of some people on the rebranding campaign but the truth is that whether we agree or not, the dividends of it will surely surface in no time. In the same vein, it should be noted at this point that a large percentage of observers from the outside understand the implication of all of this. Efforts are geared in this respect to place the country where it ought to be. I think if we chose not to be pessimistic in all the moves being made, it will further allow for more laudable steps on the part of those at the helms of affairs in the MDAs.
So far so good, I am of the opinion that the visit of Hilary Rodham Clinton, the America Secretary of State should be seen as a plus rather than a minus due to the fact that those very issues pointed out remain a mainstay to help leverage as it were. To make politics of every issue is not what will help the country at this point. Those key players in government who refuted and counter claimed Clinton’s views are not considering the interest of the larger populace. Her opinion during that visit should be a tonic for the Nigeria government to allow all hands to further be on deck to do the business of governance more in a way that will live a golden torch for the generation next. The challenge is that are we so enthused and overwhelmed with just amassing public fund to enrich ourselves without remembering tomorrow to live something for posterity? Are we no longer bothered about our names, image and reputation? And furthermore, what people will say about us. The challenge most times is that by the time we leave the business of governance, are we not coming to live among this same electorate. So much is dependent on the system today that the architects of Nigeria socio-political and economic well being should reconsider what Clinton said and embark on a worthwhile venture that will better position the country for tomorrow. And so I believe that our efforts now should be to God and humanity. The glory of Nigeria can come back.
Edukpe Ehimiaghe writes from Abuja.
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