As Ihedioha Vows To Revamp Technical Education.
By Linda Nneji, Dallas, Texas USA
The bane of developing Countries such as those in the African region is not only the lack of sincerity of purpose, lack of patriotism by her acclaimed leaders and complacency of the lead but lack of innovative thoughts and prioritization of the acts of governance. While the leaders of the developed Nations focus more on those innovations and policies that will elevate their Nations and people, those of the developing African Nations obviously seem to take theirs backwards of which many have alleged that their actions seem to be deliberately orchestrated towards holding their Nations at ransom so as to continue satisfying their power-drunkenness.
It is very right to say that Imo State and indeed Nigeria as at today are examples of such societies that clearly illustrate the wickedness, unconscientiousness and lack of patriotism by the powers that be. Otherwise, what else can be the true definition of a situation whereby the resources of a State are wasted on very inferior projects whose dilapidation set in even while still under construction? What else can properly define a situation where civil servants are subjected to hardship by drastically slashing their salaries and in turn making businesses and service providers suffer very low to zero patronage? A situation where pensioners are subjected to the worst form of inhuman treatment? Education and health sectors are in comatose just as there is gross institutional decay. The decimation of the State and her people leaves much to be desired.
However, the terrible State of affairs of Imo today is not only Governor Okorocha’s fault neither is it only that of the son-in-law who has owned up to the inglorious “urban renewal” but, in the words of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, “we all are responsible”. Yes, our actions and inactions, one way or the other, contributed to the maladministration we have in our State. The saying that a people most often than not, get the type of leadership they deserve, may not be far from the truth. It is either they did not ask the right questions, did not take the right actions or cared less about their own very affairs. Be that as it may, this sad experience is meant for all of us as a people to learn, right the wrongs of yesterday and come out stronger.
The season and time when we make that ultimate decision that shapes our tomorrow and that of our generations, is here again and we have seen those who are seeking to be in charge of our affairs as a State. The good thing about this time is that the frontline candidates in the forthcoming elections are people whose antecedents especially in public offices are in the public domain. We therefore owe it to ourselves to ask the right questions about antecedents, policies, capability and sincerity of purpose even while bearing in mind that none can turn saint overnight or give that which they do not possess.
Permit me, however, to say that the man Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha from all intents and purposes seems to be the best prepared and most credible person seeking for the office of the governor of Imo State as at today. Yes, the diasporan interest in his candidature and the overwhelming grassroot support he is enjoying at the moment are based on past positive antecedents that speak volume and policies that have presented him as not only resourceful but with very commendable sense of purpose. One of suchpolicies which he made known at the National Press Club, Washington DC is the revamping of technical Education in the State as part of his policies towards Education.
Technical Education is that aspect of Education that helps students develop practical and theoretical knowledge. Suffice it to say that this type of Education helps to produce SKILLED and experienced manpower, helping the beneficiaries to develop their potentials, enhances industrial productivity and improves the quality of life. To say that Technical Education plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of a State or Nation is an understatement. This policy is even better appreciated when one looks at the quality of graduates produced by our higher Institutions and the massive unemployment in our society whereby people are now being encouraged to go learn skills even after higher Education for the white-collar jobs seem to have disappeared.
Be that as it may, the interesting aspect of this initiative is its display of how articulate Rt. Hon. Ihedioha is as a person. As someone who is optimistic about his ability and capability to create an enabling environment for massive development, he has already established contacts towards attracting investors to our State and ultimately, when the massive industrialization of our State takes place, our people will need the necessary skills to fully benefit from such and this is where Technical Education comes in.Truly, one does not need a soothsayer to understand that Rt. Hon. Ihedioha apart from being the credible alternative is the best choice towards rebuilding our State and restoring her lost glory. The onus therefore lies on us as a people to share in his optimism and give him all the necessary support towards being that Governor we all shall be proud of.
