Nigeria At 55: Ask Yourself What You Have Done To Make Nigeria Prosperous

Editor’s note: Kofoworola Ayodeji, Naij.com constant guest author, suggests his fellow Nigerians to turn aside from the Independence Day celebrations for a moment and fairly answer a question: do they bring more benefit or problems to the dear country?

I feel very proud to be Nigerian. According to the established facts and my own observations, the citizens of the Giant of Africa are outstanding wherever they find themselves. From Africa to Europe, from Asia to the Americas, Nigerians hold sway — charismatic, innovative, excellent and rich in culture. Despite the fact that we have gone through many ups and downs as a people, we have remained resilient, determined and hopeful of a better future.

Although the development of Nigeria has been slow over the past decades, the future remains very bright. For me the future is not what we will face in months or years. Instead, it is the sum total of all the potentials of Nigeria that are yet to be manifested; it is the Eldorado we are yet to reach as a people. In short, the future represents the steps that we ought to have taken but we did not for certain reasons — fear, frustration, pessimism. So, to enjoy this beautiful future awaiting us as a nation, every Nigerian must answer one crucial question: are they the solution providers or part of the numerous problems to be solved in Nigeria?

The real reasons for the failure of Nigeria

It is common for the majority of Nigerians to quickly attribute the failure of the country to the bad leadership. Well, I quite agree with that, but I still believe we have bad followership as well. After all, leaders do not come from the moon, they are chosen by the followers — the ordinary Nigerians in this case. Unfortunately, Nigerians have embraced mediocrity and irresponsibility as a way of life. The “me-and-my-family” syndrome has eaten too deep into our national fabrics; people feel contented so far they and their family members are doing fine irrespective of what happens to other people, their fellow countrymen. And, seriously, that is the major reason why the leaders have been taking us for a ride until recently.

Why Nigeria will work

It is very inspiring to know that for the first time since 1960 Nigerians have elected a widely recognised leader, who is passionate and well-prepared for leadership. President Buhari was elected in the 2015 presidential election after three consecutive unsuccessful attempts. Recall that the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, strived to become the Nigerian president in 1979 and 1983, but unfortunately failed. His hope to bring light over Nigeria through his party, the Unity Party of Nigeria, was dashed. Again, Chief MKO Abiola was unanimously elected in the Nigerian freest and fairest 1993 election, but never became president, because the election was annulled by the Babangida-led military coup.

Since our return to democracy in 1999, there have been a lot of “accidental” presidents – those who were not well- prepared for presidency, but got into power one way or another. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president after being released from prison in 1999. He chose Alhaji Umaru Yar’adua and more or less installed him after his long eight years of rule; the latter admitted that he had not won the election that brought him into power. Following the painful demise of Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, the then vice president, was “appointed” head of state. He later won the 2011 presidential election with “I have no shoes” mantra. Only a few years later it became obvious that he was not prepared. Good leadership has evaded Nigeria for too long. Now Nigerians have voted for the leader, who is, by general perception, incorruptible, charismatic, experienced and visionary, and I am hopeful Nigeria will be great again.

Building a great nation like Nigeria is the responsibility of all citizens, both home and abroad. During the Independence Day broadcasting President Muhammadu Buhari said: “…Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring change about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.” Nigeria can work. Let’s make it work through our concerted effort.

Nigeria of my dreams

I desire the Nigeria where everyone regardless of background, socioeconomic status, ethnic or religious affiliation can enjoy equal opportunities and live the life of their dreams. I want the nation that the world super powers would be jealous of. I know quite well that this is achievable, but beyond rhetoric and analyses there is the need to act. In 2009 I co-founded a human development and charity non-governmental organisation, Hope Rising Foundation Nigeria, to contribute our own quarter to the development of the nation. Today we have reached out to thousands of Nigerians, especially the youth. Though one person or organisation cannot solve all the problems facing Nigeria, one person or an organisation can make a big difference. Just do something, no matter how tiny it seems to be; just start making difference, and Nigeria will be great again. God bless Nigeria!

Kofoworola Ayodeji for Naij.com

Kofoworola Ayodeji is a physiotherapist by profession, and by nature a writer and transformational speaker who is passionately involved in nation-building. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

The views expressed in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Naij.com.

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