As Nigeria celebrates its 66th year of nationhood, Amb. Engr. Omar Suleiman Omarana, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, has called for a fundamental shift in focus. He advocates for the establishment of institutions and systems that will translate freedom into tangible economic opportunities and improved living standards for citizens. This, he believes, is the only way Nigeria's independence can be truly meaningful.
Engr. Suleiman stated that Nigeria's independence should serve as a time for sober reflection on whether the benefits of political freedom are being effectively turned into real economic and social opportunities for ordinary citizens. He emphasized that independence must be felt not only as a historical milestone but also in the daily lives of Nigerians through employment, quality education, accessible healthcare, profitable agriculture, functional infrastructure, viable businesses, and personal security.
According to Engr. Suleiman, political independence would remain incomplete if citizens continued to face poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and inadequate public and social services. He stressed that the ultimate test of Nigeria's independence was the capacity of the country's institutions and leadership to create conditions in which citizens could live productive and dignified lives. He expressed confidence that Nigeria had demonstrated remarkable resilience despite decades of political, economic, and social challenges.
Engr. Suleiman noted that Nigeria possessed the human and natural resources required to build a prosperous society. However, he observed that the aspirations of millions of Nigerians often exceeded the opportunities available to them. He advised that Nigeria's diversity should be treated as an asset rather than a source of division, stressing that the major challenge was to build effective institutions and provide leadership capable of converting the country's vast resources into prosperity that would be felt in ordinary households.
The ADC candidate challenged political leaders and citizens to examine whether young graduates could secure meaningful employment, farmers could earn decent incomes, children in rural communities could access quality schools and healthcare, small businesses could survive and expand, and families could plan their futures with confidence. He emphasized that the real measure of progress is the quality of life of the ordinary citizen.
For Adamawa State, Engr. Suleiman said the state was endowed with human, agricultural, cultural, and natural resources capable of supporting sustainable economic development. He described Adamawa as rich in land, people, culture, agricultural possibilities, mineral and natural resources, and young people with talent and ambition. He maintained that the central challenge was not the absence of resources, but the need to establish effective systems, institutions, and leadership capable of unlocking the opportunities available across the state.
Engr. Suleiman's vision of an "Adamawa That Works" is anchored on transforming the state's agricultural sector from subsistence production into a productive economic enterprise. He aims to leverage the state's resources to create a more prosperous and equitable society. With the right leadership and institutions, he is confident that Adamawa can become a model for sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigeria's independence must translate to tangible economic opportunities and improved living standards for citizens.
- The country's diversity should be treated as an asset, not a source of division.
- Effective institutions and leadership are crucial to unlocking opportunities and creating a prosperous society.
