The Nigerian Problem

The Nigerian Problem by Eedris Ngene

Nigeria is a nation that prides herself as the 'giant of Africa'- Rich in natural and human resources. Blessed with diversity and cultures that dates back to centuries ago. 

For an outside observer; Nigeria may seem like an ideal country which hold so much promise to become great and one of the best countries in the world- why not? Afterall, she has all the capability and potentials to excel to such remarkable heights.

But amidst all the blessings this diverse nation is conferred with, lies a deep dark history of massive division and hate embedded in the nation which has been a great obstacle in allowing the nation prosper and take her rightful place in the world.

Nigeria may be blessed with so much potentials and resources other countries could only dream of but Nigeria is equally 'cursed' or rather have great hindrance in many ways than one.

Of the Many curse/Hindrance faced by the nation is:

1. Religious and Tribal bigotry: One of the great hindrance facing Nigeria as a country is the massive religious and tribal intolerance embedded in the nation; a bigotry that continues to hamper development in the nation. 

For nation that tries hard to pride herself as a nation with citizens cautious of God and His teaching- Nigerians have highly failed in that aspect. Religion should make one tolerant, loving, appreciative of diversity, honest et al- but Nigerians in most cases are opposite of what religion is expected to represent. 

Instead we use religion for evils, hate spreading and high level of intolerance to mention but a few. And such religious bigotry goes almost hand-in-hand with tribal bigotry and this type of bigotry is one that the nations politicians enjoy riding on for their selfish reasons and in their aim to maintain the 'status quo'(corruption, embezzlement,slavery et al).

2. Youths un-seriousness: This is another important obstacle to development in Nigeria. When Nigerian youths believe that for a nation to prosper- youths are expected to play a vital role- perhaps only then would we see change in the nation.

The selfish politicians enjoy it when Nigerian youths continue to display the 'I dont care attitude', they love it when what most of the youths want to become is Musicians, or footballers. They love it when the youths lack confidence to demand their rights.

The youths un-seriousness makes it easy for the politicians to do and undo without anyone holding them responsible. It makes it easier to brainwash the youths into supporting evil- directly or indirectly and most importantly it makes it easier for the nation to continue to be in the firm claws of the selfish politicians who have long held the nation to ransom.

When the Nigerian youths decides that 'enough is enough' and then sincerely seek to dismantle the firm grip evil politicians hold on the nation, maybe just maybe, we can start to experience growth and prosperity on a large scale.

3. Unwillingness on the Part of Nigerian leaders: Most Nigerian leaders are not willing to move the nation forward, they are only after their selfish interest. This unwillingness by Nigerian politicians continue to hamper the success of the Nigerian nation. It continues to destroy foundations laid and it continues to make the future look bleak for many Nigerians.

4. Disconnection of Leaders from the people: This is a problem that continues to be neglected by many Nigerian leaders.

Most of the people holding the leadership positions in Nigeria have almost Zero idea of what it is that the poor man on the ground wants. They have no idea the basic needs and yawning of the citizens- They are totally disconnected from the nation.

Why Not? Afterall most of them have never been poor or experience what poverty is about. They are people who in many cases studied abroad.

Most if not all of them in high position does not know how much a cup of rice is, a gallon of oil, a roll of tissue paper. hey have no idea how much a bag of sarchet water is- but then how would they have idea when they allocate millions to themselves for that. 

They have it in excess- the cook makes the meal, the house help purchases every thing needed. 

If they do not know the price of basic commodity, how then would they know the suffering the masses experience on a large scale? 

Only when there is a direct link between the leader and the governed- between the rich and the poor. Only then can we begin to make the right changes needed to positively shape the nation.

This are the major challenge facing Nigeria as a nation, and once this challenge is defeated then prosperity and growth would be ushered in and perhaps someday, just someday- we would reclaim our position on the world stage with our head so high and declare: 'We are proudly Nigerians- A black African nation under brutal occupation for years but now we are standing shoulder to shoulder with those who enslaved us and telling them that we are not the animals you took us to be'.

Call me Eedris Ngene- My Message is for those with basic understanding.

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