It’s time Nigerians take governance seriously, says Iluyomade

A non-governmental organisation, Arise, has charged Nigerians to shun destructive tendencies and be active in fostering good governance for the country to progress.

The Convener, Arise Women Conference, Siju Iluyomade, who stated this, noted that it was time Nigerians got actively involved in politics, saying that in their hands lie the power of who governs them.

Iluyomade said this while speaking on Arise community impact in consonance with the 12 pillars of the United Nations SDGs and in anticipation of Arise Walk event on Sunday in Lagos.

She stated that women are not well positioned for the country to reap its benefits considering that they have major economic power.

“We have so many gifts in Nigeria we are not utilising at all. We are not engaging our women well in nation building; women have economic power. They are capable of achieving great feats in business, politics and any area they are entrusted with.”

She added, “how responsive are we in achieving good governance. Are we ready to continue to see our people suffer? Are we happy seeing neighbours not able to feed themselves? Are we happy seeing little children going to bed hungry?”

Iluyomade said that access to good education, clean water, food and clothing is the right of every Nigerians, adding that it is time the country exited poverty and sickness after 62 years of independence.

She, however, added that there would be less spending on the part of Federal Government if Nigerians embraced preventive healthcare.

She urged Nigerians to tow the path of preventive rather than curative healthcare as it is cost-effective and life saving.

She lamented that people take reactionary approach rather than being proactive, adding that there is a need to see life expectancy rate increase.

“As a nation, we will spend less money if people are able to take preventive healthcare. It is easier for us to focus on preventive than curative healthcare.

“Instead of people being proactive, most prefer to be reactive, which makes them spend so much money on healthcare. We would like to see the life expectancy rate of Nigerians increase to have a richer and better life. At Arise, we have empowered over 50 million people in the area of healthcare,” she said.