Kaduna State staff retrenchment: Where next?

Undoubtedly, staff retrenchment has been a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria’s history. However, it is fast reaching its climax in my dear home state of Kaduna. Consequently, the rather unfortunate and negative perceptions the affected generally have of themselves in the wake of it; that it is “the end of life”, was why I deemed it necessary to put a few words on the subject.

Now, while it is natural for the affected, their families, friends and associates and well-wishing larger society to feel the pain, it however must not be the reason people should engage in such unethical and heinuos statements which are capable of bringing harm to them, and to a large extend their immediate families and the society.

Instead, people should be asking themselves “where next after retrenchment?” This question is what I intend to answer in this piece by providing some valuable suggestions as to where next after retrenchment. I will look at it in two categories (those retrenched for lack of requisite academic credentials after a long time in service or otherwise, and those compulsory retired even when not due for it).

One, from the way I see it in the first category (and I believe it is the same with many others), the most people affected share an age brackets of 20 to 40 years - considered to be the youthful age in societies globally today. The effect in this category, in my honest opinion will not be grave but a mild one. This is because at this age bracket, there is all the energy and time to aggressively start afresh. Though this may not be easier as it appears, believe me, it is the way to go especially for those who so much cherish being a public servant again. This way, you will have the opportunity to acquire the best of certificates for any work tasks ahead, and the gains attached to it.

Otherwise, engaging in meaningful business ventures (agriculture etc.) would be the surest way to go, especially now that it is being given the needed attention it deserves by government at all levels in an attempt to diversify the country’s economy. A lot in this area remains largely untapped, and it only requires a bit of capital, patience and consistency for the desired gains to start yielding fruits.

Two, for an undue retired public servant (whom I placed in the second category) who has some entitlements attached to his name, has a great chance of realising two life golden feats; being a successfully retired public servant with entitlements next to your name, and set to venture into meaningful businesses (which hopefully would turn into large business empires). This, as it applies to the first category, will also require some level of patience and consistency to materialise.

While I wholeheartedly sympathise with those affected, I still believe, for us to emerge stronger and prosper out of this, suggestions mentioned above should be taken. We should never allow ourselves to be nailed by this. There is light at the end, but only when we get these into our psyche and promptly act with strong determination and focus. This may be a challenge for us to find reasons to lift-up our self-esteem and personality. Instances such as these do come, but our resolve to overcome them is what matters, and what will keep us moving even when we may temporarily be stopped by this.

Mustapha Garba Jama’a, Makarfi, jamaamkr@ gmail.com