Nigerians, the Problem of Nigeria

 

Still in the atmosphere of the 52nd independence anniversary, while on my way from Lagos to Kwara state, while reading a book and listening to music and MP3 messages from my phone with the earphone glued to my ears. I spared some moment thinking about my beloved country, Nigerian and her journey so far. For a country that is blessed with wonderful resources in human, material and natural resources and yet things are not in proper shape in the midst of the ‘abundance’. It is the conviction of many that Nigeria has problem(s) or better still Nigeria is not operating at the level she ought to as an independent nation. A 52year old for that matter! I choose not to belong to such school of thought that Nigeria has problem(s). I belong to a different school of thought which believes that Nigeria does not have problems. But Nigerians have problems and have successfully infected the innocent Nigeria with their problems. And as a result of this, Nigeria has become a victim of Nigerians problems. It is a sorry state to be in such a predicament caused by the inhabitants of such a blessed land- blessed with all kinds of resources in abundance. But due to the short-sightedness of the people the abundance resources have become scarce and this confirms the saying that, what a man sees determines (to a large extent) how he behaves and relates to live. I will discuss about 5 to 6 of the so called problems attached to Nigeria by her citizens or inhabitants. 
 

1. Corruption: You’ll agree with me that the number one problem on the lips of most people if asked what the major problem of 'Nigeria' is, corruption would be the response of well over 80%. It is a terrible situation/experience- where things are not done in the normal way, the absence of integrity in dealing with people and situations, not being straight in dealing with people. It's difficult where to get something done you would have to 'tip' the person who is in position in order to get such thing done. What a pity state. And as a result, Nigeria is regarded as one of the most corrupt nation in the world, no thanks to Nigerians.

2. Lack of Maintenance Culture: I was left disappointed when I saw the pictures (slides) of the current state of the National Stadium (Abuja)...I learnt the stadium was built with about N50 billion just about 9years ago precisely in 2003 for the 2003 all Africa games hosted by Nigeria... and to put it back in a 'proper shape' for football matches it’ll cost about N100 million....when are we going to stop wasting money and resources…It's a sad story. If the stadium had been properly maintained, there wouldn't have been need to waste tax-payers’ money to put it back in good condition. This is just one among many facilities that have fallen victim of the Nigerian lack of maintenance attitude which is doing us more harm than good. 
 

3. Selfishness: Stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others. Nigeria has suffered a lot in the hands of selfish individuals who proclaim themselves as leaders. Leaders who have done nothing but enrich their pocket at the expense of those they claim to be representing (serving). Leaders and individuals who are concerned about nobody will never heed to the needs of the masses. This is the reason you'll see a public servant diverting the public fund into his personal account.
 

 4. Hypocrisy: My dictionary defines hypocrisy as, insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have. This is another peculiar characteristic of Nigerians especially those who claim to be spiritual leaders, it's a pity most of them have sold their conscience for a piece of meat. Those who are meant to talk senses into the “heads” of this bunch of selfish Nigerians who have turned themselves to ‘god’ forgetting the fact that “nothing lasts forever”. Isn’t a man of integrity supposed to speak and act what he says?
 

 5. Bad Leadership: In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, 'everything rises and falls on leadership', Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries on planet earth when it comes to human resources. But it is a pity that she's suffered from one succession of bad administration to another since 1960 (when she became an independent state). In spite of the abundance of human resources, Nigeria has suffered greatly in the hands of people who know little or nothing about leadership- individuals who think leadership is all about oppressing the masses and leaders having their way. On the contrary, the best way to lead is to serve; a leader is expected to represent the public and not his personal interest. 
I suggest that any candidate vying for any political office or appointed to occupy any office should undergo a compulsory school of leadership-where such person will be taught what leadership is all about. Rather than coming up and abusing power and position, not having any idea of what he/she is supposed to do as a leader. Having said all these, there is no hopeless situation except for the lifeless. In as much as there is life, all hope is not yet lost. A change of attitude is therefore demanded from us as individuals and fellow countrymen. Let us change our disposition towards our country and approach national issues with zeal and patriotism just like our heroes past. And above all, let the fear of GOD guide our hearts in whatever we do. A man who fears God will not treat another man badly and will not hesitate to do what he’s elected or appointed to do. And I must stress at this point that, all Nigerians have a part to play in this fight and the reclaiming the lost pride and dignity of our beloved country, Nigeria. God Bless Nigeria! 

+Adeolu Akinyemi +Richard Ugbede Ali   +Ifueko Alile +Olusegun Ayoade +Olumide Emmanuel