Nigeria Turns 52 – Celebration? A Personal Letter To All Nigerians

English: Political map of the 36 States of Nigeria (English) Deutsch: politische Karte Nigerias (Englisch) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This October, Nigeria, a country in West Africa which used to be one of the greatest Nations in Africa,  now a sorry state of what it was in 1960, marks its 52 years of independence from the Europeans.

Since the beginning of this month, all we here is Celebration, Celebration, what a folly, what a disgrace.  There is absolutely nothing to celebrate as far as I am concerned.

Will you celebrate a failed and still failing son, daughter, family, or business? NO.

Rather if you so much as care, you will offer the person(s) the truth. All this celebrating or celebration idea is nonsense and a waste of money.

 

We need to say it as it is when the blood of youths, children etc. are being shed on a daily basis, destinies cut short without any remorse and people die  or killed as if no-one gave birth to them.

A country where majority are so desensitized to the truth, and it’s corruption from the top down and down up.

What exactly is Nigeria or Nigerians celebrating;  is it the failed state and governance or the tapped resources in delta state that runs out unchecked slowly wringing the life out of those who should benefit from it, or the pollution that’s been going on for years without any checks or accountability,  or the educational system that has been grounded to  a halt churning out graduates that can’t find a job or a decent means of living or the health care system that milks the life out of its people, or maybe all the politicians who suddenly found out how to be millionaires overnight while masses go a begging.

What are we celebrating please, am very much interested.

Let’s we forget:

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future” “Character works hand in hand with success”;

“Unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, then he labors in vain and hypocritically in the vineyard of equality”;

“It is poverty to decide or allow a child to die so that one may live as one wish”;

“Freedom lies in being bold”;

“Once you say or decide to settle for mediocre that is what you become in life”

“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, make them”.

 

The day we all sing from the same tune is the day when our country Nigeria, will turn the corner. I hope we all stop covering this cancer because it’s a sign the country is going nowhere, Man is formed and molded by it’s thoughts, actions or inactions.

 

Oh, let’s keep praying for Nigeria o, others say passively!!!

Oh Yes, let us pray but do not forget that Nigerian’s problem is not an act of war or from the hand of God; it is plainly a self-inflicted problem. If the prodigal son did not reason enough and trace his steps back into his father’s  house, he would have rot in the slum he choose for himself.

 

Aside from prayers, there is what is called, “Personal Responsibility” towards a functioning and successful government or country; and that is the responsibility of every single Nigerian.

 

That is what keeps a country like Japan within the top league despite the deadly effects of two atomic bombs, the lasting effects on their citizens health, the damaged environment to mention a fee, Japan did not remain in their sorry state. Rather they consciously strive to come out of the ugliness of the war.
It only took one man (their educational minister at the time to shift the course of events). From kindergarten to University and beyond, every Japanese has culcated within their curriculum lessons on; Integrity, Leadership Skills, Truthfulness, Loyalty, Selflessness, Commitment and Every Good Virtue to mention a few, (for those of you critics, go research Japanese Educational System). By the time a young Japanese reaches the age of 10, he or she already has embedded in them commitment towards a good government, not just commitment to their purse/ bank account or family business as it is the case in Nigeria.

 

Malaysia is another beautiful country, very similar to Nigeria, Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years. The economy has traditionally been fuelled by its natural resources, but is expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism.

The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, which plays a large role in politics. The government system is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system and the legal system is based on English Common Law.

 

The day we (Nigerians) wake up to this reality of Personal Responsibility, Heaven will move.

People pray and the same people commit all sorts of atrocities as soon as they live their place of worship, do not be deceived God cannot be mocked. I hope my Nigerian friends read and understand this.

 

Positive change in Nigeria, must start with the change of mindset of every single Nigeria, it is not too late.

 

Rather than get bogged down with endless parties that will not reap a lasting harvest, let’s kindle this fire of Personal Responsibility towards a Successful, Reliable and Prosperous Nigeria and Nigerians..

 

Let me leave you with these thoughts/questions.

 

What are you willing to do for your country? When will you take the first positive step of change? We all have a responsibility to make a positive difference in our lifetime or are you just passing through?

I hope you will rise up to this challenge.

However,  regardless of what your thought is, please do me a BIG  favor, share this message with every born, free or bound Nigerians on your time-line.

“Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained”.

THANK YOU.

 

Rebecca Bukola Ajibola