The year 2017, which is about rolling into history, has been very eventful. It threw up several challenges for just about every Nigerian but created opportunities for nibble-footed few, who deployed their entrepreneurial skills to ride out choppy waters of the economy. Distinguished personalities including Africa’s richest female entrepreneur, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, and other celebrities talk about their wishes in the year 2018.
Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil and Servant-Leader, Rose of Sharon International Glorious Ministry:
Our security issues are affecting the economic bottom line in our land. Our people are afraid for their lives and property and the consequences, which we are going through as a nation is causing retrogression. Foreigners are hesitant to set up their businesses or partner with indigenous businesses in Nigeria. Power issues are no different, everything and everyone is affected. Something needs to be done in 2018. We can’t continue like this. There’s too much at stake.
Princess Abbah Folawiyo, Ace Fashion designer
I wish myself long life and good health. And I wish to celebrate many more years in good health too. And I pray for Nigeria to be better and for everyone around me to live in good and sound health also. I want President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country.
Mr. Ladi Salau, Nigerian UK based pharmacist
My wish is good health for my mother, family and favours from God. I want Buhari to improve the economy in general for all Nigerians.
Chinelo Ikeme, Chief Executive MyHAIR Limited
I wish we would have stable power supply in 2018, because we spend so much on diesel to run our businesses and make our homes comfortable.
Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, President, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN)
My wish for 2018 is for the government to provide enabling environment for the industry to strive. To encourage the manufacturing industry and pay genuine attention to the fashion and garment industry. He should also push for the creation of a council to regulate the fashion industry.
Ndidi Obioha, CEO Enthyst Events/Fashion Klinic
I would sincerely like the president to revisit his manifesto, and start making good all the promises made in 2015 to get our votes, especially in the area of the high foreign exchange rates, present price of fuel and better power supply.
Cost of living is becoming too unbearable for the common man, and corruption in the so-called public sector is on the increase. This is certainly not the change we hoped and prayed for. He truly needs to go back to the drawing board. In 2018, Buhari should change from blaming the past administration and start delivering on his campaign promises, namely, reduction in pump price of fuel, revamped and buoyant economy reflecting in a reduced affordable exchange rate.
Dr Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health Lagos State
My take for 2018 is that the health insurance scheme must start in Lagos State. That is going to be a game changer for the health sector. We are going to embark on greater training of the health workforce. Whether we like it or not, we need to address the issue of the health workforce. We have challenges there and we will not make progress if we don’t solve those challenges. We are going to involve the private sector more because of the human resource challenges.
Frank Osodi, Fashion Designer
My wishes are for peace and love to reign all over the world. The world is becoming too unsafe to all. One thing that I will desire President Buhari to do in 2018 is to step up his game on corruption and while doing that, he should institute the act that compels the citizens to hold town hall meetings with their representatives at the local and federal level.
Nwamaka Okoye, President, Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria
I wish my family and myself uncommon success and for us to be especially have a closer relationship with God. For Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria, we wish exponential business growth and upward mobility of Nigerians from poverty through enterprise and innovation. I want Buhari to deal with electricity and make power supply constant and dependable.
Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli: Ace flutist, musician
Well, I wish for a successful year, good crowds during my upcoming European tour, progress with my infrastructure development projects and most of all, good health. My wish is that this government will get its act together for 2018, reduce poverty level, create a conducive environment for investors to come back so that jobs will be created and Nigeria will get out of this biting recession.