Hopes, Aspirations, Dreams and Expectations for 2024

As we ring in the year 2024, Sunday Ehigiator samples the hopes, dreams, aspirations and expectations of several Nigerians, civil society organisations and including that of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election

The year 2024 which is just beginning can be best described as a womb of hopes, dreams, and aspirations of over 200 million people or more.

From the new administration, there lies the promises of better days, of silver linings, and of blue skies that inspire hope, excite essence, rally confidence, and stoke anticipation.

Like a womb which brings forth to earth a life filled with expectations, aspirations, successes, accomplishments, glory, and others, many Nigerians are filled with hopes, just the way parturition is literarily expected.

Just as it is with reproducing life, after months in the throes of contractions, life comes with a bubbling of joy and happiness. In 2024, many Nigerians believe that the seeds of possibilities and change that have been planted by the Tinubu administration will begin to gestate and sprout.

Aside from the common Nigerians, across several sectors, stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Small Business Owners, National Association of Nigerian Students, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, and All Farmers Association of Nigeria, among others, have made their demands for 2024 known to President Bola Tinubu.

As one put it, “If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.”

They also asked the government to stabilise the falling naira, make the economy attractive to foreign investors and friendly to small businesses, and improve the living conditions of citizens, among other demands.

Sadly, 2023, for most people, is on record as the year Nigerians suffered the most because of the incredible level of hardship the people passed through.

From the unimaginable and continued hikes in prices across transportation, food items, rent, tuition fees, and even common sachet water, which is no longer affordable, the passing year 2023 is unprecedented.

However, and as usual of a new year, anticipations and hope are high for possible respite in 2024. The majority of the citizenry sampled look to 2024 with hope and to the government to ameliorate their sufferings.

Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi:

My Fellow Compatriots, As we thank God and enter a new year, 2024, I send my heartfelt and warmest greetings to all Nigerians: from my family and me to you and yours. May the Almighty God bless you all richly and grant your good heart desires in the New Year and beyond.

The events of the past year are now part of our national history. As we trudge on, we remain mindful of the State of our Nation, and that our best hopes and aspirations remain largely unfulfilled.

Peace and security continue to elude us with the rising level of bloodletting deeply troubling and sometimes beyond a war situation. A situation where hundreds of Nigerians are violently killed in December alone is deeply sad and unacceptable.

While we pray for the repose of the souls departed, we demand that the Federal Government do whatever is required to bring the perpetrators to justice and permanently stop a re-occurrence in any part of Nigeria.

In addition to the lamentable security situation, our economy remains confusing and depressing with unemployment, inflation, poverty, inequality and other key socio-economic variables all negative and worsening. As Nigeria is the only country we have, deeply endowed but lacking in good leadership, we will continue to seek a new Nigeria that we know is possible.

Nigerians are now very aware and convinced that good governance, inclusive development, and accountable leadership expected in a functional democracy, continue to elude us. Still, we must be consistent and resolute in our demand for the rule of law, regulatory quality and government effectiveness for transformative solutions to a litany of our social problems.

If there is one fundamental threat to our democracy, it is the undermining and weakening of our national institutions and the capture of state affairs and resources by a few individuals and private interests. This must stop for Nigeria to move forward and function as an inclusive and sustainable society and nation.

In a democratic and secular country like ours, there must be full respect for the separation of powers between the three independent arms of government, as well as between the federating units.

For instance, the National Assembly should devote time and commit themselves to diligent performance of their functions like the 2024 budget that requires their prudent examination and subsequent patriotic-oriented approval or rejection.

We must work assiduously to avoid drifting to a one-party state, or a situation, where the Federal government intervenes unduly in the internal affairs of the states, particularly in circumstances where national security is not threatened.

We in the Labour Party have undertaken in the national interest and in our undying commitment to a New Nigeria that is Possible, to remain firmly in opposition and as such, must remain focused going forward. Our collective role in nation-building remains fundamental and obligatory.

Again, let me use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who supported our campaign during the 2023 elections and voted for us because they believed in the quest for a New Nigeria. The outcome of the 2023 presidential elections was contested and remains so, on record. But the Courts of law have spoken; so be it.

I wish to thank members of the Labour Party, the Obedient Family, friends and well-wishers of Nigeria for their loyalty, resilience, tenacity and commitment to true democracy.

We will continue ongoing discussions and efforts for the Labour Party to adjust to our new role as Nigeria’s main opposition party. We will continue to constructively engage all Nigerians and our friends, who have now realized the vast implications of the road not taken; and the folly of national interest decisions predicated on sentiments and primordial interests.

Nigeria is our God-given country. The business of Nigeria is far too important to be left to those involved in transactional politics. I am involved in the struggle for a New Nigeria that is Possible and works for all and will remain passionately committed to the crusade.

I therefore implore you all who strive for a New Nigeria to remain fully engaged, committed and resilient as it is and will be possible. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, happy and prosperous 2024.

Designation Consultant at PWC, Wisdom Peter Ebor:

2024 will be a year of healing, love and goodness. I believe that considering what we all collectively went through in 2023, there will be more closure in 2024.

We would begin to have more hope in the new administration and more love would begin to spread among every tribe in Nigeria. This is what I expect to see in the year 2024 and I also look forward to more family time for myself, upliftment and fulfilment.

On Air Personality (OAP), Joshua Maradesa:

2024! 2024 should be a year of rewards! Yes, that’s my only expectation for Nigerians.

Year 2023 was that year of assiduous toiling, people came out en masse to vote in the General elections and the candidates who had the trust of the people emerged victorious, but how many of those candidates have been compensated by the People for their trust?

So, I expect that 2024 will be the year when all Public officeholders finally get intentional about policies and governance processes and do things that will reward the people who have so much trusted.

Medical Doctor at Regions Healthcare, Owerri, Dr Malachi Ezegbogu:

Given a global perspective, in 2024, I expect advancements in technology, shifts in global politics, and developments in science and medicine. I also expect attention to be on areas of renewable energy, AI, space exploration, and potential geopolitical changes.

As a Nigerian residing in the land of the renewed hope agenda, I expect to witness continued growth and progress. I look forward to more deliverables of the dividends of democracy especially in the areas of positive infrastructure, advancements in technology, and an improved economic landscape.

In 2024, as a medical doctor, I look forward to contributing my quota to the advancements in medical research, and technology and fostering community health initiatives, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals in Nigeria.

I look forward to a better 2024 for everyone. God bless you all.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Member, House of Representative, Kafilat Ogbara, David Owoyele:

As the curtain falls on 2023, anticipation builds for the canvas of possibilities that the New Year holds.

As a creative producer and director, I envision groundbreaking projects and storytelling that captivate hearts. In my political journey, I aspire to make meaningful strides, fostering positive change.

As a family man, I want to capture and cherish moments of love and growth. Also, embrace the evolving landscape of communication scholarship, staying at the forefront of knowledge.

May 2024 become a tapestry of creativity, progress, familial bliss, and scholarly enlightenment across every facet of my dynamic life, amen!

Youth Corper, Ogabi Susan Medeyonmi

In 2024, I hope for connections for bigger and better jobs, just as I hope to embrace more achievements in good health and wealth with happiness.

I also hope for a Nigeria for all where I don’t need to know anybody before I get a Job on merit, where I can go to any part of the country and wouldn’t be scared of being profiled as an outsider. And also a Nigeria where everything you dream of about yourself can be possible to achieve.

Nigerian, Ileaboya Samuel David

My wishes for 2024 are very simple, first I pray that in 2024, God intervenes in my life so I can settle down with my fiancé.

I also pray for God to keep me in good health and peace of mind, give me a good job that will help me to provide food for my family to live a good life, and lastly God’s blessings in all of my Endeavors.

Operations, Behavioural and Life Coach, Toluse Francis

For 2024, I hope to enjoy myself and make more impact in my mental health work, and more studies as well. I want a peaceful 2024 in summary

Optometrist, Otue Priscilla Oseahumen

I know 2024 will be a very spectacular year for me and my family. I would be breaking bigger boundaries in the health sector, opening up myself more to be loved, and giving my son the best life he deserves

Banker and Customer Service Officer, Ndabai Chinedu Christopher

Life can be quite challenging when your expectations are not met, but I expect 2024 to be a year of my, personal growth, and travel, while I also expect surprises either good or bad.

I also expect challenges as it is part of life, and I also hope to overcome any challenges that come my way. And last, I Expect God’s blessings, guidance and favour.

Nigerian, Okeke Samuel

My expectations for 2024 are two, praying for marital settlement and a federal government job. Amen!

Nigerian Labour Congress

The Head of Information, NLC, Benson Upah, in an interview with a media organisation, (Not THISDAY), said the congress was expecting the dividends of good governance from the Tinubu administration in the New Year.

“Our expectations are good governance, strong institutions, more accountability, less corruption, respect for law and order by the government, more citizen participation in governance, lower exchange and inflation rates, higher standard of living for the citizens, and renewed hope in the country,” Upah said.

He noted that the government must resist the urge to make Nigeria a one-party state, adding that such would have dire consequences for the country.

“Government should resist the urge to make Nigeria a one-party state. Our history teaches us that there are usually dire consequences for such political greed or inordinate political ambition,” Upah added.

Nigerian Medical Association

In his submission, the Oyo State Chairman of, the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Wale Lasisi, urged the Federal Government to improve the health infrastructure across the country and end the exodus of doctors from the country in droves.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors revealed that no fewer than 1,417 doctors had left the country in 2023, compounding the doctor shortage.

Lasisi said, “We expect the government to invest more in the health sector and see to the proper implementation of the health sector policies.

“The government should also improve the primary healthcare centres and infrastructure across the country. Also, new teaching hospitals being proposed should be cited in places with wide coverage and population.

“We also expect the government to improve the remuneration of healthcare workers in a bid to retain the manpower and make available necessary equipment and gadgets that will make work easy.

“Health is wealth, so the government at all levels must prioritise delivering quality healthcare. Considering that most of the populace cannot afford the exorbitant cost of healthcare, and most cannot afford medical tourism.

“For a government that has the agenda of renewed hope, we expect that the renewed hope will also affect health and should be as quick and effective as they can do it.”

National Association of Nigerian Students

In his submission, the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr Afeez Babatunde, said students did not need any episode of strike in the New Year.

He said, “We are not expecting any strike in 2024 as we are on our toes to make sure the government fulfils all its promises and do more.

“However, we are expecting the government loan promised to students and also the buses promised to all tertiary institutions in the country starting from January. Moreover, we want a year that will be full of activities on our campuses where students will go to school and perform their activities comfortably.”

Babatunde added that the students were still expecting the promised bursary scheme and the increment of government subvention to universities.

He noted, “We were present during the budget public hearing, and we told the lawmakers to increase the allocation to education to raise the standard of education in the country.

“So, we are expecting them to adjust the budget, and also deliver on the promise of the student loan scheme. The welfare of students and all academic and non-academic staff of varsities, polytechnics and colleges of education must be a major priority so that there will be a peaceful academic calendar.”

Quotes

Health is wealth, so the government at all levels must prioritise delivering quality healthcare…For a government that has the agenda of renewed hope, we expect that the renewed hope will also affect health and should be as quick and effective as they can do it