Ososo Kingdom

Additional Programs In Ososo

Once the basic food grant program is well underway, we will be turning our attention to other elements of the SCF program in Ososo. One of the key drivers of implementing other programs concerns the funding of those programs. If a new program can be funded strictly with vouchers issued by SCC, then the only thing standing in the way of implementation is simply developing an implementation plan and assembling a team that can execute on that plan. If the new program also needs a certain amount of the national currency (Naira) or dollars, then arrangements need to be made to obtain those funds from a variety of means, in most cases delaying the implementation of a program that requires such funds.

One of the first programs that can be funded with just vouchers would be the support of all manner of public servants in the kingdom. We will begin to provide the Kingdom with full employment grants to cover the costs of ALL civil servants who work for the King and Kingdom. That would include all teachers in Ososo along with all manner of care givers (child, elder, infirmed), all vital contributors to the health, well being and future of any community, but traditionally some of the most under appreciated and therefore under compensated. Health care workers would be included as well so that, to the extent possible, all citizens of Ososo can receive free basic health care, including the staffing of emergency clinics and the like.

Quality of Life Issues

Prosperity is not just economic but includes the things that make life worth living and enjoyable. From a physical standpoint, that means ensuring that citizens have shared outdoor environments that they can visit and enjoy. That includes parks and facilities like entertainment venues for concerts, plays, festivals, etc. Most, if not all of the costs associated with these quality-of-life elements can be covered by Ruku grants.

Tourism

One of the ways to grow the local economy is to encourage tourism. Tourism represents one of the best ways to bring in outside money that hopefully remains in Ososo. Around the world, one of the best ways that goal is accomplished is with “buy local” campaigns. Essentially, they are campaigns that encourage both local citizens and visitors to purchase goods and services from locally owned establishments. That produces what is called the “multiplier effect.” Typically, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculates locally, compared with less than 14% of pur­chases at remotely owned stores. Remotely owned stores would commonly be retailers like McDonalds or Burger King and similar chains.

What that means is that communities should resist, as much as possible, allowing such chains to establish operations in places like Ososo. They would likely drain tourists’ dollars and Naira back out of Ososo. One of the best ways to encourage tourists to buy local is to get them to convert their national currency into Rukus. Chains are less likely to accept Rukus than locally owned businesses. Additionally, local merchants can sell Rukus in their establishments and earn a 30% commission (in Nairas) plus a matching amount of Rukus (effective commission equal to 60% of the sale), in addition to the profit they will make in selling their goods and services.

Note – Each time such a sale is made, that money is injected permanently into the local economy. That is, not only is the outside currency injected into the local economy, but a matching amount of Rukus is added as well. The health of all economies throughout the world are driven by two factors – the amount of money in circulation and the speed with which it changes hands (called the velocity of money).

To facilitate the purchase of Rukus by tourists and others, we have developed a program that closely resembles pre-paid credit cards in the United States and elsewhere. We have established a separate category for “temporary” Ruku account holders who can purchase an account in any participating merchant’s facility, or at an Ososo “visitor’s center,” etc. Tourists would be encouraged to purchase them based on the premise that they would be helping to build Ososo and would likely receive a discount from merchants who accept Rukus.

And like a pre-paid credit card, a tourist would receive a card, only instead of a MasterCard or VISA, it would be a laminated card on which we would print a QR Code that represents a pre-defined Ruku account. The tourist would use their own credit card or ATM card to purchase the Rukus, which get added to that account, accessible using that QR Code. Thereafter, they may use those QR Coded cards to purchase goods and services from local parties.
If they run out of Rukus, they can visit any participating shop and purchase more (just like pre-paid credit cards can have more money added). And each time such a sale of Rukus occurs, whether the first time a card is purchased, or more Rukus are added to an existing one, the merchant will earn a 30/30 commission.

What is also significant the kingdom, as a State Partner in Ososo, it will directly receive a 30/30 commission override on the sale made by the merchant. If the kingdom sets up a visitor center that is owned and manned by the kingdom, then any sale made to tourists will yield a 60/60 commission, i.e., 60% of the national currency received from the sale of the Ruku, plus a matching amount of Rukus. That is net income for the kingdom to use for other purposes in the kingdom as it chooses.

Workforce and Entrepreneurship Development

Along with the startup and expansion grants described above, there is another program that can be funded nearly exclusively with Rukus – workforce and entrepreneurship development. That means training and guiding entrepreneurs and their teams to build businesses. This would apply to those who want to build a business that is more than a one person shop, those with the potential to grow, add employees, etc. And like those micro enterprises, we can fund them to start and initially grow with Ruku grants.

Other Programs

Although we are starting with a food grant program, voucher recipients will also use those vouchers to purchase all manner of goods and services in Ososo, as the local voucher (called Ruku in the State of Edo) becomes viewed as functionally equivalent to the Naira, the Nigerian national currency. The more that occurs, the more all local business will begin to accept Rukus for partial or full payment for their goods and services.

That then opens up other grant programs such as infrastructure programs – build and repair roads and bridges, flood control systems, sewer systems, irrigation systems, low cost housing and housing rehabilitation, blight remediation and more.

Other Programs That Require Some Outside Funding

Finally, here are some programs that will require some level of outside funding to augment what can be covered by the Rukus. For one, internet access is spotty throughout the kingdom primarily because most access to it is via the cellular network. And the cell network is the reason for the spotty internet access because the cell coverage throughout the kingdom is spotty. One way to address that is to acquire certain hardware that boosts cell signals (through amplification).

In some cases that might also require satellite systems that can be connected to the internet. Those systems will likely be composed of the satellite equipment powered by a solar array and back up batteries, coupled with WiFi equipment to broadcast that connectivity over a broader area such as possibly over a whole village. Such equipment would have to be purchased with a national currency, and there will likely be an ongoing monthly fee to be paid to the satellite provider, also paid for with a national currency.

The single biggest project that will require a significant amount of outside funding concerns plans to build solar electric facilities, both in the form of micro grids (small, localized systems to supply a limited number of homes, offices and other buildings and equipment) and a larger solar farm with battery backup.

Outside Funding

For all those items requiring outside funds, we shall be seeking both government and donor grants. For individual parties interested in supporting this effort, we encourage you to go to this page to arrange for donations. Thank you.