I have been following trends on social platforms, especially the Twitter, and I have seen how some Nigerians are craving the division of the country. There is the agitation for Ooduwa Republic and there is the long standing one for Biafra Republic. The adherents of these agitations believe that once Nigeria separates, everything will be fine. I do not know how true or false this claim is, yet it gives me the impetus to beam my searchlight on the dire needs of the country, especially of the youths—the fraction to which I belong.
So, what is the dream of everyone, especially the youths, for Nigeria? What exactly is the Nigeria that we are craving? How should an ideal Nigeria be? These are the questions todays edition of Wholesome Society seeks to answer.
An ideal Nigeria, for me, is a one with proving features of an ideal democratic state—where the leaders have the interest of the people at heart. Leaders because, as a vehicle can’t go to a different direction from the one its driver wants, or go beyond the speed its driver chooses to, so a country can’t go beyond the ideas of the people piloting it’s affairs.
It is quite disheartening to know that we live in a country where the safety of lives and properties of the masses is not even a priority for the leaders. Citizens live on consistent fear, and it seems like our leaders are sleeping. Aside the fact that we face a lot of challenges, we also live our lives in fear, which is not ideal for a nation that has territorial integrity, and who is entitled to be defended by her leaders.
Nigeria happens to be one of the poorest countries in the world. Yes, it has a lot of natural and human resources, but mismanagement, greed, avarice and corruption keep eating it to deeper and deeper poverty. With all the resources available, Nigerians still live in abject poverty.
This is not what we want as a country. The Nigeria we want is that which is wholesome—where men and women can achieve their full humanities and potentials, without having to know anybody. A Nigeria where we have leaders, as well as the led, who are true at themselves.
The agitations for separation will continue to be louder, but I make bold to state, categorically that, whether we seperate or remain as one, this problem will continue to linger. Therefore, we must necessarily make it a point of duty to orientate the people to see the need to work together towards achieving the Nigeria we desire.
Let me make it clear, here. We may think that going our separate ways is the way forward. But listen to this: unless we work on the minds of the people, this dream of having a wholesome country is not going to be possible. The problem is not with the name of the country; the problem is with the mind of the people. The chosen to be the leaders or pilot the affairs of this country have hearts, and this great betrayal that we experience every time is an orchestration from the hearts.
It is, therefore, imperative to state here, that the Nigeria we want is not impossible, but first, we really have to make it a point of duty to make the people see the need for the emancipation a d renewal of their minds. This will aid the people who will eventually become leaders to see serving the people that appointment them as leaders, a priority. This will also make the leaders or whoever occupies any position, the need to live an altruistic lifestyle, which will be very helpful in achieving the Nigeria that we want.