Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world. It is said that the population is about 200 million and it will most likely be the second most populous country in the world by 2050, just behind China. When you look at the numbers and you think about how far behind we are as a country, you become very concerned. You wonder if the Nigeria of our dreams is still possible.
Nigeria’s current state…
At our current state, Nigeria can easily be regarded as a failed state. Poverty is on the rise with daily life threatening insecurity issues as bandits and kidnappers are having the best time of their lives with the lives of Nigerians. Terrorists are gaining momentum and it looks like they are having the better side of our military forces.
At our current state, Nigeria can easily be regarded as a failed state. Poverty is on the rise with daily life threatening insecurity. Corruption has eaten deep into the system and human rights are being abused without anyone… Click To TweetThe education system seems archaic with students just studying to pass their exams to ensure they come out of a school that frustrates them. Unemployment is at an all time high. And the majority of the young population are either trying to leave the country for green pastures or they create that green pasture here with cybercrime.
Corruption has eaten deep into the system and human rights are being abused without anyone visibly paying for it. With what happened at the Lekki Toll gate on the 20th of October, 2020, the average Nigerian feels like their life is not valued and that those who violate them cannot be held responsible for their actions. Election seasons feel like war as it is always marred with violence.
The average Nigerian feels like their life is not valued and that those who violate them cannot be held responsible for their actions. Election seasons feel like war as it is always marred with violence. Click To TweetThe judicial system is not trusted to give an honest verdict, as it is believed that the man with the most money wins the case. And as you read this article, the court has been on strike for two (2) months and counting. As absurd as this might sound, it is in this same Nigeria that you see sitting political leaders traveling outside the country for medical care, why those they govern cannot afford private hospitals, and public hospitals are either too crowded or they are not well equipped.
But it’s not all doom and gloom…
It is not all doom and gloom. In 2019, tech companies raised $377 million. In 2020, there was a drop, as $117,481,508 was raised. This was largely due to the pandemic and lockdown.
The entertainment industry is another sector that has made Nigeria proud. With our indigenous movies getting on Netflix, and our musicians respected and rewarded on global stages with Burna Boy significantly winning the Grammy award for Best Global Music Album of the Year.
Also, when you think about the fact that Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, you realize that Nigerians can thrive and achieve great feats if the government can create an enabling environment for the citizens to succeed.
What Nigerians want…
When you think about the fact that Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, you realize that Nigerians can thrive and achieve great feats. Click To TweetWhen you ask a critical mass of Nigerians what they want, regardless of their demographics, religion or ethnicity, you will most likely hear the same thing. You will hear things like good roads, stable electricity, jobs, security, quality health care, quality and affordable education and political leaders who have their interests at heart. They want a police that does not brutalize them at every opportunity they get.
Nigerians want to be able to do business in Nigeria with a favorable policy to help them succeed. The truth is, this can be Nigeria, but this is not Nigeria yet.
The Nigeria of our dreams is possible…
It is possible that this Nigeria can be a reality if the citizens get their PVC and then come out to vote and defend their votes. The Edo State Governorship Election showed the rest of the country that when THE PEOPLE want someone to govern them, THE PEOPLE can achieve that.
Finally, the #EndSARS peaceful protest opened the eyes of many to see the great things we can achieve when we speak with one voice and goal. The government of the day needs to wake up to their role as enablers of success for their citizens.
The 2023 general elections are less than 2years away. Now is the time to actively get involved in the happenings in your community, local government and state.
The Nigeria of our dreams will be built by Nigerians like you. Get involved, lend your voice and cast your vote when the time comes.
The Nigeria of our dreams will be built by Nigerians like you. Get involved, lend your voice and cast your vote when the time comes. Click To TweetYou can also read: Did God really send Meningitis to Punish Nigerians?
Written by Daniel Otabor
