How do we achieve the Nigeria we want?

2019 was a year that heightened a sense of hopelessness for some Nigerians. Following the result and impacts of the general elections, some citizens believed and a lot more still believe that Nigeria is a country that works for some and not for others. Since 2019, I have been writing about “The Nigeria that I choose to see” every independence anniversary. I needed to inspire hope among Nigerians while encouraging us to have a sense of responsibility towards Nigeria. Now, I must admit that this is no easy feat. There is a sense of despondency among Nigerians. This has led to the loss of a sense of responsibility towards the country because the broken and corrupt systems have allowed for evil to fester and thrive.

I am not oblivious to the reality that Nigeria gets harder and harder to love. With all the love we give the country, it gives nothing back to us. Not access to proper or affordable healthcare. Not access to education, federal universities have been on strike for seven months and counting. I recently had to travel out of the country and I remember seeing a lot of Nigerians going to London, Toronto, and New York City. At one point, airline staff at the check-in counter said to his colleagues, “looks like everyone is going to London, I have been checking in London Heathrow passengers all day”. This is an anomaly.

I understand that a lot is going wrong with our country. Impunity thrives and injustice seems to be the order of the day. Every other Nigerian is looking for a way to cheat the next person. It is almost becoming a cesspit of chaos and destruction. The most painful experience for me this year was when a friend of mine talked about her friend who died during the Abuja-Kaduna train incident. She said that her late friend believed in Nigeria. He was hopeful that the tides will turn for us as a nation. Sadly, he did not live to see his hopes happen and “Nigeria happened” to him. However, I don’t want to dwell on the many things wrong with Nigeria, our leadership, and the systemic rot that has taken us spiralling downward.

Today, I want to reflect on the things that keep me dreaming and hopeful that Nigeria will get better. Earlier this month, I was, at the very last minute, asked to join a panel to discuss the role of elections in a multi-ethnic context. I remember sitting in that meeting and asking myself, what does this topic even mean? Ha!!! As fate would have it, I was asked to join the panellists to provide gendered perspectives on the topic. While sitting on the panel, all I could think about was how the political class used our multiple ethnic groups to divide us. Rather than use these multiple ethnicities to show us the beauty in our diversities. How the different tribes, languages, and cultures are pieces of a puzzle that make the beautiful Nigerian picture. We would be boring and rigid if we are a monolithic society.

The different tribes, ethnic groups and religions are what makes Nigeria, (this British construct, as some people like to call it) the beautifully culturally diverse country that it is. Cast your mind to a traditional wedding ceremony you attended, especially when the couple represents different tribes. Don’t you just watch in deep admiration as they observe their cultural rites as the family of the groom and that of the bride exchange gifts, and greetings as they welcome themselves to each other’s families? Two culturally diverse families become one at that moment, languages and ethnicities do not matter, nothing else matters at that moment for both families as they share these memorable occasions. The nature of my work has provided me with the privilege to travel across different states in the country. I have visited every geo-political zone and most of what I see are honest, hardworking and kind Nigerians trying to make a living for themselves.

Regardless of tribe, we are fighting the same battles, insecurity, poverty, failed public education systems, and a lack of basic infrastructure across all the sectors. The fires of ethnoreligious divisions are stoked by greedy and corrupt people who thrive off the failed systems. They ensure that we fight each other to prevent us from holding them accountable. Unfortunately, we repeatedly allow them to get away with it. Maybe because we feel defeated, jaded, or tired to do something about it but that is not who we innately are as Nigerians.

“Nigerians do not know and understand the power they carry, the moment Nigeria gets it right, the rest of Africa will get it right,” This is what Kathleen, my new Cameroonian friend, who is more Nigerian than a lot of Nigerians said to me.

I dare say that we are proud and confident people. Nigerians thrive despite the obstacles thrown their way, not because the systems or politicians work for us. The Nigeria I choose to see is the country that holds promise. It is a country with citizens who carry greatness inside them anywhere they go. Nigerian citizens are revolutionary. Nigerian banks have footprints across Africa. Nigerian fintech companies are taking over Africa. We all know how Nigerian music is played in retail stores, clubs, and restaurants across the world. It is not pride to brag about the greatness that we carry as Nigerians. Nigerians do not understand what it means to feel inferior to other races. Nigerians are not afraid to take risks and we carry our “Nigerianness” with pride. Sometimes coming across as slightly obnoxious but it is what it is.

I conclude by saying that I understand that things seem to be spiralling downwards and nothing is working at the moment. However, we must recognise that the Nigeria project is our collective responsibility. Nigeria does not belong to a select few in governance and politics, the country belongs to every one of us. As Nigeria celebrates another year of independence, I want to encourage us to hold on to hope for our country. I also want us to understand that, regardless of how small we may think it is, we all have a part to play in making Nigeria work for us, future generations of Nigerians.

Please be reminded that if or when you get to relocate abroad, alone or with your nuclear family, some members of your extended family remain here. Hence, Nigeria has to work for each of us to ensure that every Nigerian citizen is safe and secure.