Beyond Tinubu’s genuine efforts to address the country’s challenges

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, has made an appeal to the organizers of the planned nationwide protest, urging them to reconsider their decision to maintain the peace in the country.

As the first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Barau emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is making genuine efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau implored the protest promoters to grant the government more time to implement the ambitious programmes and policies outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda for socio-economic development. He highlighted that since the administration’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, it has diligently worked to restore the nation’s glory and steer it back towards progress and prosperity for the benefit of all citizens.

However, the reality of the hardships faced by Nigerians is undeniable and pervasive, affecting every corner of the nation. Mere statements and public relations efforts have become insufficient, as the harsh realities are being felt even by those tasked with delivering these messages.

The government must acknowledge the real and palpable suffering of its citizens and take substantial, visible actions to alleviate these hardships. It is essential to shift from rhetoric to tangible results to regain the trust and patience of the populace.

To shelf the August 1 protest, therefore, Tinubu’s ‘spokesmen’ like Senator Barau must urge the federal government to implement immediate relief measures to address critical issues such as food insecurity, unemployment, and inflation. Subsidizing essential commodities and providing direct financial assistance to the most vulnerable can offer immediate respite.

What ever happened to transparent communication in government? Establish a transparent communication channel where the government regularly updates the public on progress and challenges in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda. This will help build trust and demonstrate accountability.

Engagement with Stakeholders also works wonders when it comes to issues like this. Actively engage with civil society organizations, labor unions, and other stakeholders to understand their grievances and incorporate their feedback into policy-making. This collaborative approach can help mitigate the reasons behind the planned protest.

Key being job creation initiatives by a government that is really serious about keeping its citizens off the street. Accelerate job creation initiatives, particularly in sectors that can quickly absorb a large workforce, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology for REAL! Investing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can also stimulate economic growth and employment.

Also is infrastructure development which is another magic wand in cases like this. Fast-track infrastructure projects that can provide immediate employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits. Improving roads, power supply, and public transportation can have a multiplier effect on the economy.

Do not forget to strengthen social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable populations. Programmes that provide healthcare, education, and housing support can help reduce the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by the current hardships.

Do not leave it alone as usual. Monitor. Track. Report. Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of implemented policies and programmes. This will ensure that initiatives are effective and can be adjusted as needed.

You see? Senator Barau’s appeal reflects a recognition of the government’s efforts, but it also underscores the urgent need for concrete actions.

By taking these recommended measures by CSR Reporters, the government can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges and potentially diffuse the tensions leading up to the planned protest on August 1.

This is because effective CSR practices are not only about long-term goals but also about addressing immediate needs to foster a more stable and prosperous society.