RaphaelA saddening occurrence has become a reality in Nigeria today and we are left in a sombre situation trying to grapple with it’s forbearance. Nigeria holds in high esteem the prestige of been known as the “giant of Africa”, as the country continues to record astronomical increase in population. As the world develops, the conditions of living have improved and there are various innovations birthed in order to make living comfortable.
Unfortunately, not all parts of the world have enjoyed this massive development phenomenon, for example, countries in Africa, Latin America, Caribbean and south Asia are to a large extent unable to catch up with European and North American countries.
Nigeria falls under the category of the underdeveloped nations in the world and this connotes the underlying conditions of mismanagement and infrastructural collapse. This fact has become a justification to those who pack their bags and leave.
We are left with the question, where does this dilemma truly originate from and who is to take responsibility for this ugly turn of events. The fact remains that there are a lot of economic struggles in Nigeria and the decline in the state of security has not made things any bearable. This decaying situation has caused mass emigration of citizens who search for greener pastures in other countries.
Nigerians are known all over the world as successful doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs. The talents of the people should be invested in the country and not outside of it. This is an avenue in which Nigeria can reach her apex in development.
The government has the primary responsibility to provide good security and economic growth. The experiences of Nigeria despite it’s identity as a great nation with bountiful resources show that a vital cornerstone must have been left out in the course of the government performing its duties.
The lackadaisical attitude of the government towards the people’s discontent with its performance is a huge discredit and is consequential to the distrust embedded in the heart of the people.
There should be effort made towards gaining the people’s trust, as a stepping stone, to their fight against insecurity and economic stagnation. It is only when there is full trust between both parties that there would partnership and the concept of social contract can be fully utilized.
The Nigerian people no matter how adept they are, have forgotten that they have obligations and duties to the state and not just the other way around. The new norm of schooling in Nigeria and moving to practice abroad should be curtailed. We need to invest our knowledge in ourselves and stop the massive brain drain.
The pages of history should be visited so as to learn from past mistakes and achievements. If we are to head towards growth as a people, we then, as products of this country, have a serious role to play. The lack of patriotism and the fact that we are are our biggest discreditors should be addressed. The apathy towards state affairs should be addressed.
The difficult economic system does not unequivocally, justify the emigration of Nigerians in their numbers to other countries. Nigerians should learn to have an unfettered love for their country. People believe that there are multiple truths and that what is true to a person may not necessarily be true to another. In other words, the reality to an individual is different from reality to another.
However, there should not be any compromise to what is right and wrong. Basic amenities such as provision of jobs, electricity, good housing and a standardized educational system should not be regarded by the government as they doing the people a favour rather it should be a fulfillment of their basic and fundamental duty and the purpose for which they came into power.
The government has a role to play and the citizens themselves, should realize that they have a part in the big plan of developing this nation and achieving our common goals as a people.
About the Author
Solomon Esther Imoleayo is a Law student of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
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