The cry in Nigeria presently is as a result of the increase in fuel price.

However, it is important
we come to terms with the dynamics of development, which are always in stages, and which
require sacrifice and patience.

I am not saying the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has put in its best, or is working at a
pace expected by most Nigerians, but this does not erode the fact that we have experienced
improvements in some quarters.

The removal of the subsidy, no doubt, will cause some hardship by virtue of inflation, especially
on the cost of transportation, commodities, daily expenses, school fees, rent, among others,
which have all skyrocketed. Howbeit, if the subsidy funds being previously paid to oil marketers
are well-utilised and accounted for, the long term effect would bring relief to the people.

Now, having removed the subsidy, more is expected of this administration to provide succour for
the people.

The government should be more responsive, amenable to the citizens needs, particularly by
prioritising the following:

The provision of effective rail system: This is cheaper to run for the people and many would
prefer to go on the train than going in their private cars.

Construction and maintenance of good roads: This will jettison the idea of Nigerians buying big
cars which are generally not fuel-efficient, compared to small cars which are cost and fuelefficient.

Steady power supply: This will reduce the demand for fuel for generators and will encourage
more entrepreneurial skills to be acquired and business ventures to be established. It is a common
knowledge that virtually every business needs energy to keep functioning.

Diversification of economy: Unfortunately, this is no longer news since the price of oil is going
down drastically in the international market; there is now a clarion call for investment in other
sectors, such as the agricultural and solid minerals sectors.

Education: This is a golden key to eradicating poverty. According to President Barack Obama
and the late Nelson Mandela, education is a weapon of change in any society. Our government
needs to restructure our educational system and make it affordable and compulsory for everyone,
at least, to secondary school level.

Repositioning and restructuring of the economy and politics of Nigeria: This is germane in
rebuilding Nigeria as a whole. Power should be regionalised and geo-political zones
decentralised. Things must begin to be done in a new way, that is, there must be paradigm shift
for Nigeria to actualise the long-awaited change.

Conclusively, followers should embrace and imbibe the principle of prayer and patience, which
are cornerstones of development. Impatience is not a virtue and we should not under play the
efficacy of prayers in supporting our leaders and directing them aright.