Opinion
The Future Is Doha
By:Chubado Babbi Tijjani
The future they say belongs to those who prepare for it. A statement the Qatari’s appeared to have taken literarily, as evidenced by the country’s landmark and unequaled achievements in virtually all ramifications of life. The unparalleled audacity with which Qatar, a city from the sand, launched itself on the global stage is both profound and invigorating. Modern Qatar has proven to the rest of the world that it takes foresight, visionary leadership, political will, and determination to transform societies within a short period.
Modern Qatar is a mash-up of mystery and a success story. Its trajectory from a desert land into one of the most stimulating cities, embellished with all the trapping of modernization and civilization ty is something that has left pundits and observers from East to West in awe. Its leadership has shown the rest of the world that every society is truly governed by its triangles when properly harnessed; its political, economic, and social dimensions. It has taken into account the fact that visionary leadership, not conscripted to finesse or nuances and devoid of mediocrity can produce dividends. Not just within the domestic arena but on a global scale as exhibited time and over again by Qatar. When the world needed humane leadership, it was there to give one.
The mind-boggling question remains, how did Qatar achieve this feat of becoming a contending world power within such a limited period The answers lie in the coherent domestic and foreign policy of the leadership through a sustained period and with serious-minded individuals driving it; it rests with the pragmatic and people-centered fiscal and corresponding monetary policies combined with a dedicated and disciplined workforce. Culminating in a common vision that puts the interest of the collective first.
This can be seen in the nation’s policy direction since 2008 which has been shaped by the ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’. A well-thought-out and articulated development model with a blueprint to transform Qatar into the most advanced country in the world by the year 2030. Little wonder Qatar is the world’s next investment hub.
Qatar has risen so sporadically and spontaneously and has become a centripetal force attracting the attention of almost all countries on the global stage. Its commitment to the development of its people and state has remained unwavering so has its strategic vision.
x-raying Qatar’s smart city initiative gives us a glimpse into its future. The unparalleled enthusiasm with which the leadership has grappled with the concept of smart cities is unmatched. The presence of cutting-edge technology to streamline services, improve urban living, and deepen sustainability is fascinating. It has leveraged data and connectivity to improve efficiency and has placed itself at the front of the global smart city movement. This makes Doha the world’s future hub for technological innovation.
The quantum of world-class infrastructure littered around in Doha spins the mind. The sight of its futuristic skyline gives away Doha’s intentions for world-class infrastructure. The very existence of the city of ‘Lusail’ is a clear indication of Qatar’s outstanding world-world-class infrastructure that came from sand and has become one of the world’s most charming cities, earning it the name ‘city of the future’. Doha is awash with cutting-edge technological infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, its national museums, structures like the Aspire Tower, and so on, all showcase Doha’s grasp of what ‘moving forward with historical architecture should look like.
Doha is well-equipped with top-class hotels and airports, making it a global aviation hub. It has built the most attractive traditional luxury resort with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Its resorts and all of its infrastructural gains have no small measure contributed to the nation’s economic growth, leaving her with one of the most envied GDPs in the world.
Doha is one of the foremost cities to initiate the green revolution, long before countries began to converge in Paris to discuss the impact of climate change. The country technically leads the drive towards sustainable urban development through the implementation of ambitious green initiatives such as the Msheireb Downtown Doha Project, which is one of the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration development initiatives. It has the best eco-friendly transport systems, and reen-building-friendly practices, and is a pacesetter in embracing the path of sustainable development for improved quality of life.
On its path towards economic diversification and global connectivity, the nation has proved that it can sustain itself through non-oil yields and earnings, contrary to views in some quarters. A glance at QQatar’sStrategic economic plan as contained in its Strategic Vision 2030, will reveal that Doha’s vision extends beyond oil and gas as evident in its economic diversification. The vision places a huge emphasis on other non-oil sectors including Tech, health care, finance, and opening up formassiveinflux of investments. The world view of Doha being a strategic location for a global transit hub has been bolstered by the city’s connectivity, world-class airline carriers, advanced logistic infrastructure, and the Qatar Free-Trade Zone. It is unarguable that Doha has integrated into a global economy.
It is also well to note that Doha is not just about its skyscrapers and unmatched infrastructures, it prides itself on its cultural renaissance; it is a place that thrives and promotes its arts and has become a center of attraction through its thriving center for arts and culture. This is apparent in the significant investment in cultural and religious institutions such as the Qatar National Library and Museum of Islamic Art, which aid in fostering the renaissance of artistic expression The famous annual Doha Film Institute and the Qatar International Food Festival all contribute immensely to showcasing the vibrancy of its culture and people. Qatar always seeks to foster harmony while preserving the sanctity of Islamic teachings which are about tolerance, respect for others, and living a life of sanity through modest behavior
This was exemplified in Qatar when the country hosted one of the most successful World CCupsthe the world has ever seen, as attested to by FIFA and other world-ranking bodies The event was well attended by people from various walks of life, and diverse cultural and religious backgrounds were hosted by Qatar for a whole month devoid of rancor and civil disobedience.
The World Cup hosted by Qatar, as attested to by FIFA and other world-renowned bodies, had no single record of violence, no single record of theft, no single record of fighting and or bloodletting which is the case where fanatics get drunk and end up fighting after a match is won or lost. The ban on alcohol and other ‘social elements’ drive youth restiveness in other climes was instrumental to achieving this.
It is also on record that Qatar used this singular event to showcase the beauty of the region and its people to more outsiders than any other mechanism or instrument has done in the past. Qatar used the occasion to display the beauty of Islam which preaches social cohesion and harmony amongst people of diverse backgrounds.
There is no doubt that Qatar is racing towards an exciting phase of development. As opined by Omar Alfardan, Managing Director of a Doha-based Commercial bank, “Qatar is fast becoming an attractive destination for international capital after the domestic investment boom around the World Cup. The country is positioning itself as a gateway to larger regional markets by establishing trade and investment agreements with neighboring countries. This strategy amplifies Qatar’s appeal to international investors”. This is a position that has long been corroborated by Bloomberg, the IMF, the World Bank, the Economist, etcetera, that Doha is heading in only one direction and that is, becoming the future!
Babbi writes from Abuja, Nigeria, and can be reached through these means:
Email: chubadotijjani@gmail.com
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.