Nigeria @ 50 (2)
Sep 28th, 2010 by admin
Still on Nigeria, as it turns fifty, a gift many seem not to appreciate due to incoherent structures and policies. Besides, it is hard to believe Nigeria is 50 with the incessant occurrence of religious conflicts and ethnic clashes. The country is so poorly managed that the success of a united Nigeria is doubtful. While some may argue against the success, the fundamental issue is the character of our leaders. Our leaders have consciously failed to lead with a clear cut idea of goals to be achieved. No one has ever won a battle with out a plan. Unfortunately the apparent dearth of leaders with conscience has left the nation in perennial crisis. To the older generation what has befallen Nigeria is not only sad but unfortunate as the progress envisaged for the country is gradually disappearing. With so many problems plaguing the country. One wonders why we continue sit and allow our leaders get away with impunity. The system in place no longer has an order. The leaders make empty promises and erode the system of existing challenges. They fail to lead by example, and if they fail to lead, how can the people follow. They promote incompetence which has affected all spheres of the Nigerian economy. The lack of credible leaders have made the people despondent. Strangely, we continue to applaud recycled leaders promising the very same thing. Maybe, we are our own problem; we are too tolerant of bad leaders. The division, wickedness and bitterness in the country are alarming. The man who works hard to carve a niche for himself no longer earns accolades rather it is the man with no major source of income that earns the Nigerian merit award. The recent award ceremony was a joke to many. Another country in West Africa, Ghana celebrated fifty just three years back, the day almost went unnoticed. Ghana is a lesson on what Nigeria should be. The economy has grown and expanded. It has emerged as a nation to emulate in West Africa. Which explains why it is suddenly becoming a haven for Nigerian business men? How did this happen? Ghanaians’ once upon a time trooped to Nigeria to take up all kinds of unskilled labour. At that time, Nigeria was not very hospitable. Today, that is history, Ghana is riding high and sadly Nigeria is yet to find its feet. I can’t but ask where did it all go wrong? Where did we go of the rail? On the celebration planned, why is it difficult for us to be honest about a simple celebration? Why is Nigeria spending so much for an anniversary when millions cannot afford a decent meal nor go to school, even if they can, the kind of education they get Is third rate. Parents are begging for assistance every day? The average man is hopeless; he is suffering silently. I am reminded of Fela Anikulapo’s song, many years back, suffering and smiling. It is happening today. When did we suddenly become a nation of clowns? If we continue to look inward, our eyes will begin to dim at the apparent lack in the midst of plenty which is obscene. Personally, I contain my rage at the continuous mismagment of available resources but I am optimistic that someday our Moses will emerge and free the ordinary citizens. According to Mr. Akin Adeniji is, an eight five year old Nigerian; Nigeria has changed over the years. Though, I was pleasantly surprised at the voice of hope and encouragement at the state of affairs in the country instead of despair, woes and regrets. “Why do you say we have nothing to celebrate he says, we are still here, so we must celebrate. Though, I pity the younger generation because I saw plenty, I saw quality and not quantity like it is today. It is sad because I am not leaving Nigeria a much better place for my grandchildren, when I went to school we had meals served at the colleges, living conditions were much better. Unfortunately the younger ones ask too many questions but fail to act. What should I do? I don’t want to be just a number? I don’t want to live a wasted live? How do I make my dreams come true? The first place to begin is the place of love. Nigerians still refuse to be close to each other. Most Nigerians can’t marry from a certain tribe, won’t allow a man from certain tribe to rule, this attitude is seen everywhere in the country. If we continue with this mindset and refuse to see the good in the bad, Nigeria will remain a nation in crisis. It is only in love and peace, unity can be achieved. There is need to make a change, effect a change and be the change. As Nigerians celebrate fifty years of independence we must all according to Amb. Christopher Kolade strive to live a good life because there is no way you can buy a good life, you have to live it. This should be a wake-up call to all Nigerians particularly those aspiring to be leaders. Living life well is never about the money in your wallet.