A supposedly blind man is in charge of the blind community. Dave spent N36,000,000,000 billion to dazzle the world and for his vain Directorship of "Eze one Agwalam" while the funding for basic healthcare and elementary education continues to decline. Start a white elephant enterprise, as someone once stated, if you want to take money from the government.
Out of the 32 domestic and international airports in the nation, 26 are under the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), while only five are operational international airports. Of the five airports, none meet an international standard for service delivery and none are used to their full capacity.
While some might argue that Dave is the best of his kind among his South Eastern counterparts in terms of infrastructure I'll just say "We node use juju serve juju" because we prefer what we can physically see to what it does to humans. You shouldn't compare terrible examples.
Let's take a brief detour into history and reality before we carry on with our celebration. Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa state, spent more than 4 billion nairas to build an airport, which was finished and opened in 2014. Unfortunately, the airport is now a waste of money with nil usage because Jigawa is a weak state economically and struggles to pay employees. According to a report from Thisday News, "From what is available on the ground at the airport, one can see that the decision by the Lamido Administration to embark on the airport project was a misplaced priority. The argument we are making today is the same one that many people made years ago when Sule Lamido wanted to start that project. You may verify for yourself that the project offers no economic benefit to the state's residents, according to the source.
The failure of this project was due solely to a lack of knowledge of demand and supply in simple economics; since all of the states in the area already had airports, Jigawa did not need to spend her meager resources on building one.
Although, regrettably, some of the Ebonyians enjoying this waste of money may not be able to afford an 80k ticket, we want to feel included because Dave is supplying the world with the disco and reggae they desire. As a result, I don't hold anyone responsible for leaning toward their fantasies.
Let's even discuss Ebonyi state, a small and impoverished state. 1. Did you know that the governor has never been hired or promoted in the state civil service in the eight years that Emperor Dave Umahi has been in office?
2. Ebotrans is a state-run public transit system, yet it is nowhere to be found, making it an orphan left behind.
3. Kekenapep and cyclists (okada) are the only working taxis in Ebonyi.
4. Despite your belief that the airport will operate well, mass transit like ABC, GIG, and other deluxe mass transit are unable to construct a terminal or park in Ebonyi due to low patronage.
5. Can you guys ask what the pay scale is for those employed by the state government?
6. Ebonyi, which ranks 78% poor, spent 36 billion dollars on vainglory. Kent, a commercial state county in the United Kingdom, closed its Manston airport despite having a 14% poverty rate. Due to poor patronage, although being wasteful in Nigeria is commendable.
7. Since the airlines in Enugu are already having trouble attracting additional customers, demand and supply will allow us to determine whether this initiative is viable or just an attempt to defraud the people and steal money. Ebonyi is adding another airline to the mix.
8. Are we even aware that in Ebonyi, primary and secondary education are no longer required? Primary school students pay for their textbooks and report cards, while those taking the WAEC pay 200 to 500 as IGR to the state. Let's not even mention the deplorable school conditions and poorly paid teachers as we continue to build airports.
The list is never-ending.
Before I quit talking, let me remind my readers that Dave is currently building the Olympic Stadium, which is another route for money laundering. We don't know if his stooge Ogbonnia Nwifuru will keep wasting money, but let's just remind ourselves of what 36 billion dollars can do for us.
* If we are truly serious about growth, a train line—even one that round the Southeast—would have been more economically significant than an airport since everyone can afford it. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, 36 billion can establish sufficient rice production facilities in the three senatorial zones. * power plants and substations that can help stabilize electricity in the state, which is more valuable than anything else.
* The benefits and profits from investing this money in our education, particularly in basic and secondary education, would be felt right away and for years to come. At least fewer kids will be playing in the streets after school.
Airports are not Ebonyi's top priority. However, regardless of how the act is carried out, let it be known that people spoke up, just as they did when they forewarned Sule Lamido. We have duly informed our Governor Dave.
Thank you for stopping by.
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