– Aniebiet Francis
I know most Gen Z will not know much about Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020, but the Millennials should know, or must have heard of it.
Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 was a blueprint, carefully designed to launch Nigeria into the league of the world’s top 20 economies by the year 2020. It was a grand vision, powered by hope, with promises of transformative change, economic prosperity, and an improved quality of life for all Nigerians. This blueprint was conceived by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 and launched in September 2009 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration amid fanfare and enthusiasm. Yet, despite its noble intentions and lofty aspirations, Vision 20:2020 ultimately faltered, falling short of its projected outcomes. Several factors contributed to its failure,
According to Dr. Ayodele Bello, a development economist, speaking with Nairametrics, lack of sustained political commitment and leadership continuity are the primary reasons for the failure of Vision 20:2020.
He admitted that the vision was crafted with meticulous details and comprehensive strategies, but the frequent changes in government administrations led to inconsistency in policy implementation and a lack of coherence in vision execution. “Each new leadership brought its own agenda, often deviating from the trajectory set by Vision 20:2020, thereby eroding the momentum needed for meaningful progress.
When one critically looks at the history of Nigeria, for each administration, there is always a different kind of vision. By our democracy, the maximum time any administration has, is eight years. That lack of continuity is a major issue that affects various visions for development. The visions rarely transcend political or regime boundaries.
Looking at Pastor Umo Eno’s speech at the Victor Attah’s International Airport, when he took delivery of a second new Airbus A220 300 series aircraft for Ibom Air on August 20, 2024. He made known his plan to build an aviation village near the Victor Attah International Airport. The reason for this development is to provide a conducive accommodation for Ibom Air and airport workers, for effective and timely delivery of service for the next phase of operations which includes twenty -four hour service at the Victor Attah international airport.
The Governor also reiterated his commitment towards the completion of the maintenance, repairs and overhaul, MRO, the new International Terminal Building as well as the remodeling of the Airport clinic in line with the international standard of the airport.
Recall that few months back, Governor Umo Eno led Akwa Ibom people to Victor Attah International Airport for the reception of a brand new aircraft for the state owned airline. All these signpost his commitment to the actualization of the vision to make Akwa Ibom State an aviation hub in West Africa. A vision that was birth by His Excellency, Arch. Obong Victor Attah about twenty years ago.
It is also worthy of note that, this is not the only project Pastor Umo Eno is consolidating on and ensuring continuity and successful completion. Ibom Tropicana Leisure Park, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Dakkada Luxury Estate and several road projects are on the list of projects inherited from previous administrations and are either completed or on top priority list of the Pastor Umo Eno led adminstration.
Let’s circle back to Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 and how it could have been achievable if Nigerians were blessed to have men in the mould of Pastor Umo at the helm of Nigeria’s affair in Aso Rock. Men who understoodd the importance of continuity of policies in sustainable development. Men who would not abandon sustainable development plans to pursue white elephant projects that are totally disconnected from a well thought out vision that encapsulates our collective interest.
Pastor Umo Eno is an embodiment of selfless leadership, an intentional leader, one that understands that government projects, policies and programmes should be tied to a development plan and eight years is too short to initiate and actualize such plans. Hence his commitment to connecting dots, crossing the T’s, dotting the I’s and furthering the developmental plan of an already cast vision.
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