Reflections on 2024: A Year of turmoil and transformation, by Arch Baba Isimi FNIA
In Defense of Reason
As the clock approaches midnight, marking the end of 2024 according to the Gregorian calendar, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that has been anything but ordinary. This year has unfolded with a complex tapestry of events—marked by both triumphs and tribulations—impacting us at personal, national, and sub-national levels. We have been inundated with news ranging from the uplifting to the disheartening, some bordering on the absurd.
In a climate burdened by harsh economic conditions, the populace are left seeking outlets to express their frustrations against perceived “oppressors.” The media, in its relentless pursuit of viewership, has often sensationalized these grievances, feeding a public that has become a frenzied shoal of piranhas, eager for any morsel of drama or scandal wet their frustration and angst.
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The government, in the usual Nigerian governance posture, seems to believe it has the monopoly on wisdom. Rather than engaging with the citizenry, it has embarked on a course of renovation action on the grand edifice—the Nigerian Nation—without the necessary consultation nor engagement with the Nigerian People. This has led to widespread dismay and discomfort among the occupants of this national structure. In a reckless endeavor to “renovate” the country, the authorities have often dismantled more than they have built, neglecting to consider the consequences on the very people they are meant to serve.
Worse still, this overhaul has been executed with little regard for the residents, who have been left exposed to the elements without alternative arrangements or support to ease their discomfort. Compounding this situation is the glaring lack of competence and expertise in managing such significant national renovations. This has has sorely exacerbated the situation. Despite protestations from a considerable segment of the populace, their voices have often been drowned out by further demolitions and demands for more rents payments and service charges for amenities that are unavailable or have been long disconnected.
While there is a consensus among the occupants of this national edifice regarding the need for repair and renovation—if not complete restructuring—the pressing question remains: Can such extensive work be executed without serious consideration for consultation and the implementation of necessary safeguards against the inevitable disruptions to human comfort? The answer is a resounding NO!
The challenges facing us today are emblematic of a broader crisis: the gap between desirable policies and their incompetent implementation, compounded by an overabundance of hubris and a glaring lack of public engagement. This has fostered a climate of distrust and a pervasive sense of anomie throughout the land. As we stand on the brink of a new year, it is imperative that we reflect on these lessons and seek a path forward that prioritizes genuine dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens.
Baba Isimi, FNIA, an architect, public affairs commentator and the Lead Convener National Integration Group, writes from Abuja.
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