Dates and Dollars: A Call for Sober Reflection

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By Dr. Olusanya Awosan

Saudi Arabia recently made headlines for two seemingly disparate actions: a massive $600 billion investment in the United States and a donation of 100 tonnes of dates to Nigeria. While these events may appear unconnected, they highlight a stark reality about Nigeria’s place in the global landscape and symbolize the urgent need for national renewal.

Nigeria, with its vast population and abundant resources, should be a magnet for foreign investment and a major player on the world stage. Yet, we often find ourselves on the receiving end of charitable donations while economic powerhouses like the US attract billions in investment. This disparity serves as a wake-up call, urging us to critically examine our national priorities and development strategies.

While the donation of dates is a gesture of goodwill—especially considering the significance of the fruit during Ramadan and Nigeria’s large Muslim population—it pales in comparison to the transformative potential of substantial investment. The US, with its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and stable economic policies, presents an attractive environment for investors seeking significant returns. In contrast, Nigeria struggles with infrastructural deficits, a challenging business environment, and a perceived lack of policy consistency, hindering our ability to attract similar levels of investment.

This is not to say that religious and cultural considerations are unimportant. However, relying solely on these factors while neglecting crucial aspects like economic diversification, human capital development, and good governance will continue to hinder our progress.

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We need a paradigm shift—a national renewal that prioritizes:

• Creative Leadership: We need leaders who think beyond short-term gains and prioritize long-term, sustainable development. Leaders who understand the language of global economics and can articulate a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future.
• Strategic Investment in Human Capital: Investing in education, healthcare, and skill development is not just a social responsibility; it’s an economic imperative. A skilled and healthy workforce is essential to attract foreign investment and drive innovation.
• Improved Infrastructure: Reliable power, efficient transportation networks, and robust digital infrastructure are essential for economic growth and competitiveness in the 21st century.
• Good Governance and Policy Consistency: Tackling corruption, ensuring transparency, and establishing predictable and investor-friendly policies are crucial for building trust and attracting foreign investment.

The time for complacency is over. We can no longer afford to be content with symbolic gestures while our potential remains untapped. Let the stark contrast between dates and dollars serve as a catalyst for a national conversation—a call to action for a new era of creative leadership, strategic planning, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Dr. Olusanya Awosan, Public Relations Consultant & former SA (Public Relations) to President Jonathan, writes from Ilesa, Osun State.