By Gilbert Ekezie
World Futures Day is a programme put together by UNESCO, an organ of the United Nations to look at what the future holds for the younger ones and the downtrodden in the society. It is held every 2nd December all over the world. In Nigeria, the annual event was held with a lecture titled: The Futures in Focus, organised by an educational institution: Philips School of Futurology, Security and Leadership Research in Lagos.
Lead Facilitator & Convener of the programme Dr Osaren Emokpae said that every government needs to play a dominant role in driving the future for the younger and less privileged in the society to strive.
He noted that the Nigerian government in particular has failed in her duties at ensuring that the younger generation does not find things difficult in the future, in terms of policy, ideas, resources etc, as they are applicable in other countries of the world.
“The government needs to invest in technology by pushing money into the factories so that people can get jobs to take good care of themselves. When we are talking about inclusiveness, we are saying that everyone should be carried along, both the rich and poor. It is not only the rich who can enjoy good health, education and other facilities, while the poor are allowed to suffer because they cannot access those facilities. It is not supposed to be so. We want the world to be better for everybody, irrespective of the class.”
He explained that Nigeria has the capacity to provide good medical support, housing and education and other infrastructures to all, but those in authority have failed in their duties to cater for the people.
“Nigeria will take care of others, but will not take care of itself. America and Britain will take care of themselves first, before others, but Nigeria does otherwise. They help Niger and other African countries. You could see that we do not have enough power supply, while Niger and other African countries we supplied power, are enjoying more than us. What kind of country is that? Nigerians are hungry and really suffering, they need help to survive the hard time.”
Emokpae cited that poverty is worse in the Northern part of the country because those they put in power do not take care of them. “I think some rich people in the north are happy to see the poor hanging around and greeting them ‘ranka dede.’
“We do not have the righteous in power yet, do not mind those who claim to be good Christians or Muslims, they are not genuine at all.
“The country belongs to all of us, so we need to enjoy it together. The rich will never sleep, if they ignore the poor. And, until the rich begin to take care of the poor, kidnapping and other criminal acts will never stop in Nigeria.”
Emokpae further revealed that many medical doctors die before their ages due to stress and poor salaries. That is why they are leaving the country massively. “Many of those who are still in the country are making plans to leave. In the UK, America and other countries of the world, medical doctors are the highest paid because they value lives. But here, no one cares about the people.
“We need to speak truth to the government. We cannot continue to keep quiet because we are enjoying ourselves, while the number of those in poverty situations are many. That sends a danger signal for the future.
“In our church, Four Square, some of our branches give food to people every week. We have a clinic where we care for the sick. We also have houses where we keep those who have no place to stay. That is part of our commitment at ensuring that the future is brighter for the poor, because we know that future is obvious and government cannot do it alone.”
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olu Falomo regretted the condition of the poor condition of many Nigerians who have rights to have good food, shelter, clothing, health facilities, education etc.
According to him, “poor people are in trouble in Nigeria, we should try to be our brother’s keepers. We are not supposed to chase them away.”
Falomo urged the church and individuals to start doing something to uplift the poor, since the government is not living up to the expectations. “All the palliatives go to politicians and party members. The only place the poor can get redemption is in the church, not government.”
He offered prayer that the future must be brighter for all. “I pray that the future will be better and brighter for everyone, not only the rich.”
Engr Devonte Emokpae delivered lecture on Information Technology, Engr Omo Emokpae spoke on the Future of Energy and Transport, while Dr Idris Awwal, Kehinde Lasisi and Engr Osa Emokpae spoke on Health, Banking and Software Engineering Development, respectively.