As countries, the world over, are battling to overcome the plethora of economic quagmires posed by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers – both in public and private sectors, have started devising possible modalities for optimizing resources towards efficient management of their economies and organizations, for optimum outcome.
Some are looking at the option of cutting costs by downsizing the workforce, very many countries and states have resorted to borrowing to stimulate economic activities, the OPEC countries of which Nigeria is a member, are suffering downward trend in oil prices, leading to dwindling oil revenue which will force many into an economic morass, if right steps are not taken towards diversifying their economies.
The post-COVID-19 period remains a threat to every individual, firm, corporate body, government, and the world at large. The major concern now, therefore, is what proactive steps should be taken to be able to cope. Covid-19 has ushered into the globe, radical and revolutionary changes that require disruptive approaches to allow normal flow that will restore equilibrium in the world’s eco-social system. Not planning for the post-COVID era is like playing the Russian Roulette.
In Cross River State, the School to Land Programme has adopted the Japanese Kaizen Model economic of re-engineering, in response to post-COVID 19. Kaizen is a concept that is rooted in continuous improvement, emphasizing improved productivity, effectiveness, safety, and waste elimination by making small frequent positive changes, rather than adopting a cost-cutting strategy of downsizing and retrenching workers.
Governor Ayade’s Predictive economic model, to a large extent, mirrors the Kaizen philosophy as the concerted effort has been geared towards synchronization of the policy framework for optimum results that remain models to the country. Though bedeviled by huge debt burden and humongous wage bills, the digital Governor has directed the state’s meager financial resources into the productive sectors for sustainable economic development.
With a sound knowledge of economic principles, the Governor is aware of the economic and social costs states and countries, even corporate bodies, have to pay if they fail to formulate and implement the right economic policies and programs to arrest economic woes. An examination of the sectoral allocation of resources in Cross River State will reveal that Ayade has done well as he channeled a larger proportion of the resources into the real sector of the economy, with adequate preparedness to build human capacity, cut wastage and reduce unemployment (idleness). Nothing puts a burden on a nation than unemployment or underutilized resources.
Further, the establishment of School to Land Programme is a plus to Cross River State as it is expected to serve as a transition program for graduates, building a resilient bridge between theoretical learning and practical skills for a knowledge-driven and tech-based economy.
Governor Ayade, having both the brawn and brain, has demonstrated his preparedness for a post-COVID-19 era in the following ways:
√Huge investment in poultry farm and the tremendous resources being channeled into the planting of maize that will be used for feeding the fowls.
√Establishment of School to Land Programme for training, capacity building, empowerment, and smooth transition of school leavers and graduates into the labor market.
√Ongoing work on Cala-55 Rice Demo Farm where Cross Riverians are gainfully employed and are being trained on the cultivation of the new variety of rice (long grain vitaminized) and product of genetic engineering.
√Mass employment of fashion designers for increased production of face masks which has reduced unemployment and improve capacity and reduced idleness.
√Adopting the Kaizen model of cutting waste rather than costs by the emergency employment drive of engaging 8,000 workers in the different sectors of Cross River economy, amidst austerity.
√Building a resilient infrastructure that is considered backbone to investment, economic growth, and development.
√Adopting youth-friendly government and instilling the culture of hard work: *“Hands on the Plough, Food on the Table”* in Cross River State.
The post-COVID-19 Nigeria will be characterized by new discoveries, increased borrowing, dwindling oil revenue, structural unemployment, tax cut, job loss due to downsizing, exacerbated social problems, such as crime, vandalism, security threats, social alienation, etcetera.
While indigenes in many states are expected to bite the bullet harder, post-COVID 19, Cross River State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir (Professor) Ben Ayade will be insulated from the aforementioned shocks, because of his strategic and operational excellence, which has added many feathers to his cap making Cross Riverians better off.
Office the DG, School to Land Programme, Cross River State
