OUTLOOK — By Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami — The nation-building process is not just a one-man show; it is a shared responsibility of the government and the people. Building the country is not only the government’s responsibility; but the society should also be involved in such a significant national process.
In fact, building any nation is considered a burden which must be shouldered by all those living within the country. Any country’s government, as the top authority, is considered a facilitator and a decision-maker of all the actions to be taken in order to serve the people and country alike. Usually, the government handles the responsibility of setting up the infrastructure of all walks of life in the country.
The society represented in all segments of people shall also show their roles in contributing to serve the nation, each in his or her work of interest. The individual’s efforts play a vital role in supporting the nation’s development process. Through all the different kinds of their work or initiatives, they show their full allegiance, support and belonging to the nation.
The Sultanate’s comprehensive development including all sectors has been given top priority by the government since the start of the Blessed Renaissance of His Majesty the Sultan. Every step forward in this outstanding march was thoroughly planned. His Majesty has always believed in the citizens as the backbone of the national development. This indicates the personal interest of His Majesty in building a bright future to the country by the hands of its own people who are core partners in the national development process.
During the Sultanate’s 25th National Day celebrations His Majesty said: “Countrymen, You have all played your part in the making of this new chapter in Oman’s history. Everyone has made his own contribution, according to his ability, in building this structure for our future”.
What is really heartening and striking is to see Omani youth involved in almost all types of jobs in the country. For them, nothing is embarrassing as long as it contributes to developing the country and serving its subjects. You can see Omanis working even in low paid jobs as labourers and in the handicraft industries.
The Omani youth while working in different fields are contributing in building their country. They do their best to become part of the nation-building process in a bid to pay back to the nation and to help in maintaining the country’s sustainable wealth and achievements to the new Omani generations.
The government’s belief in the importance of developing human resources is marked through implementing several plans which are prepared to tackle all issues related to the Omani youth. Among the outstanding plans which have already worked effectively is the government’s plan of employing Omanis and offering them suitable job openings. This plan is targeting all parts of development in Oman including both government and private sectors.
Last year, His Majesty’s grant to offer 50,000 jobs for Omanis was a strong evidence of His Majesty’s dedication to offer a decent means of livelihood to all citizens. A recently announced statistics revealed that around 62,000 Omanis were given jobs in 2011.
Our pride of being Omanis is part of the belonging to this beloved homeland; however we should spare no efforts to help in building the country. We must make good use of our skills and abilities and utilise them for the sake of serving the common interest of the whole community. Today, it is our turn to complete the march of development which our ancestors had started hundreds of years back. We shall all strive to bring about the best we can in order to preserve our unique traditions, history and achievements which form the genuine identity of Oman.
The nation-building process in the Sultanate is a constant one and it will never stop, especially when it relates to human development. The progress will continue in the interest of all, particularly the youth and the coming generations of Oman.
