Please, let’s evolve with the world, by Yahaya Abdulrahman

Please, let’s evolve with the world, by Yahaya Abdulrahman

We have to come to the realisation that the world is evolving and that we have to tow along, lest we remain backward. Centuries back, goods were traded for goods or for service only. With time, different/commodities, and objects were introduced as mediums of exchange. Then, the need to save emerged. People saved in pots, trenches, Asusu, and places they sometimes even forget to trace.

Until today, the money of my wife’s grandfather, Malam Yusuf, who was a highly respected Islamic cleric and businessman has not been traced some 25 years after his death. He lived for 100 years plus and believed only in the old ways of doing things, including saving. He and His Lord alone know where exactly he saved all that he left behind.

Given the challenges that accompanied old ways of saving, the banking system was introduced. The system has since witnessed upgrades – reaching what we are having in present times that many Nigerians complain bitterly of, especially as the cashless policy has come on board. The thing is, this policy has come to stay. Nigerians should therefore key into it whether or not they stay in the city.

The advantages, which include saving the government the cost of printing naira notes and using what has been saved for vital projects and programmes cannot be taken for granted. Robbery too is likely to reduce, plus money transferred to criminals as ransom or looted by officials of a government or otherwise can be easily traced.

However, what needs to be done is orientation, making the banking system more accessible to rural dwellers who are usually major contributors to our economy through farming, mining, skill acquisition, and businesses of all kinds. Measures should be taken to make the system more friendly, less challenging, and even rewarding so that Nigerians of all classes would better appreciate it.

By the time this is done, I am sure there won’t be any complaints anymore. Businesses would flourish. And so would the economy. Until then, I pray more practical and realistic steps are taken to deal with fraudsters who are waiting to take undue advantage of Nigerians and the network be improved – as transfers often fail due to poor networks, leaving the already suffering citizens stranded, confused, and helpless.

Yahaya Abdulrahman writes from Oversea junction, Nasarawa State, and can be reached via: ibnyahya02@gmail.com