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I am Worried About Nigeria, Here is Why by Osasu Igbinedion

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2019

Eric

Growing up in Nigerian has been my greatest pride since childhood. Everywhere I travelled I never
hesitated to reveal my country of origin. Before I became a Broadcast Journalist and Media Entrepreneur I was already a propagator of Nigeria’s immensely rich and beautiful culture and her collectiveness.

Our collectiveness as a people was a pride of mine. As an inhabitant of many different countries, I have experienced diverse cultures and ways of life; none of them were comparable to Nigeria so I was always eager to teach foreigners about our people, our (pidgin) language, our food, our values and our heritage. I was eager to dispel the monopolistic narrative of a poor, corrupted and economically distressed nation that the international media formed about us.

I remember being mocked by my foreign friends for frequently starting conversations with “In my country, Nigeria” and then explaining to them how the topic of discussion applies at home. I conceded the race on Infrastructure to them because we were lagging far behind but I vehemently challenged them on the race on Culture. I truly believed we had the best culture in the world; a culture where Muslims and Christians, Northerners and Southerners, put their collective interest as Nigerians above individual, tribal and religious interests.

An event from my childhood further elucidates the collectivist culture we once practised. While growing up both my parents travelled frequently for a living therefore my siblings and I were often watched by our aunties, close friends and neighbours. On a particular trip my parents had taken abroad, my younger brother (God rest his soul) was riding his bicycle in full speed at the lobby of the house while my elder sister was running downstairs with a pair of scissors in hand. In what we know understand as a freak accident, both my siblings collided and before we could understand what was happening there was blood all over the place, oozing from my brother’s forearm as the scissors my sister had been holding penetrated him.

In a quick panic, I yelled for my neighbour who was watching over us at the time and she immediately appeared on scene. As expected, she calmed everyone down and rushed my younger brother to the hospital where he was stitched up and sent home. My parents were filled in on the situation and with all sense of ease and calmness they thanked the neighbour and reiterated to my siblings and I not to worry, everything will be fine because the neighbour was there.

How does this story apply you may ask? Our neighbour was a northern muslim who my parents love and trust till today. Any good parent knows leaving your children in the care of another person takes an immense amount of trust and respect. In this present clime, sautéed with deep hatred for each other, distrust for our neighbours, bigotry, irredentism and so on, many I know will rarely rely on a friend or neighbour to fill the integral role my neighbour played in not only watching over us when we were younger but taking us as her own children.

Today trivialities such as tribe and religion have overshadowed the trust and camaraderie we once shared; this is further highlighted in the private and public sector. Before a Nigerian is employed in any organisation he or she is inundated with trivial questions such as their State of Origin, Religion and Ethnicity rather than thoroughly scrutinising their competence and ability to execute the job. Isn’t it a pity that a diverse country such as Nigeria refuses to see this as a strength? An average Nigerian has no love for his neighbour, no faith in the government and no hope in Nigeria. The gap between Christians and Muslims, Northerners and Southerners, the Elite and Masses continues to widen. This should be a valid concern for all Nigerians, including the elite who feel they are immune to violence because they have protection.

I hate to break it to every Nigerian, whether rich or poor. No one is safe! There is a loud agitation to divide this country which is engineered by politics. Many can see it but are scared to talk and this worries me most. I’ve become even more worried after my visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda. It seems the path Nigeria is currently towing mirrors that which Rwanda traversed before the infamous genocide occurred. To rejig our memory, 1959 – 1961 was a period of ethnic violence between the Tutsi and Hutu ethic groups. Belgian scientists divided the Rwandan populace through various stages in history. The most threatening division came in 1959 when Belgians outrightly executed their plan to divide and conquer Rwandans. They did so through:

a. occupation (Farmers were predominately Southern based and owned 10 cattle or less while Herders were Northern based and owned more than 10 cattle).
b. size of skulls (the eugenics movement in Europe and the U.S. concluded that the bigger the skull the more intelligent the person).
c. shadeof skin and height.
d. nose and other facial features.

Based on these classifications, the Tutsis were elevated above the Hutus and they began to believe the myth that they were superior to the Hutus. While the Tutsis were educated by the Belgian Roman Catholic Church the Hutus were left behind to work as peasant farmers. The Hutus grew hatred for the Tutsis and by the time Tustsi born King Mutara Rudahigwa decided to share power with the Hutus, the seed of discord had grown out of control.

The Belgians knew the power of ‘divide and rule’ strategy. It is important to note that before Belgium invaded Ruanda-Urundi (which is now referred to as Rwanda) both tribes cohabited peacefully without communal clashes. Their plans to destroy Rwanda was sealed by the issuance of Racial (tribal) Identification Cards which classified Rwandans as either Tutsis or Hutus. From April 7th, 1994 to July 15th, 1994 over eight hundred thousand (800,000) Rwandans, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group, were killed in a barbaric way due to the division caused by the Belgians.

The behaviour that led to the Rwandan genocide is what we exhibit today in Nigeria; so called opposition leaders preach hate and intolerance both publicly and privately. The government in power is nepotistic and distrustful of other ethnicities. There is vast social and economic inequality in the land. The insensitivity of government policies is alarming. Social media influencers bastardise their follower-ship by propagating hate speech in exchange for political patronage. The present government is slow to act and quick to dispel constructive criticism. Opposition is championing the need to divide Nigeria because they lost elections. Insecurity is thriving while the economy is tanking. Most of Nigeria’s leaders are ignorant and nonchalant; they are highly corrupt and have little or no regard for their constituents.

What then is the solution you may ask? We need to, as a matter of urgency, define a national ideology. As a businesswoman, before I formed my company I had the vision and mission statements defined so that I can work assiduously towards achieving them. What then is the vision of Nigeria? What are we working towards? A military general singlehandedly wrote the Nigerian constitution and we expect this to rightly reflect the thoughts and aspirations of 200 million Nigerians.

My solution to the silent civil war we are battling is quite simple: 1) We must first identify that playing politics with security matters in primitive therefore we must put an end to it. 2) We must acknowledge that in this silent civil war we are facing, there is no correct side. 3) We must shun tribal, religious and class division by looking at ourselves as a collective body of Nigerians and Nigerians only. 4) We must de-emphasize ‘State of Origin’ and ‘tribal affiliations’ from our rhetoric. In fact, we must banish these terminologies because they essentially hold no value. 5) We must discipline politicians and influencers within and outside Nigeria who divide us through hate speech and primordial sentiments. 6) We must also shun ‘money politics’ and elect detribalised and knowledgable leaders with integrity. 7) We must define our national ideology then fix our constitution to reflect this.

Only then can we put an end to this silent civil war we have been fighting in the past ten years. Let those who have ears…

Written by Osasu Igbinedion
First published on www.OsasuIgbinedion.com
20/07/2019

Featured

Current Hardship in Nigeria, a Result of Lack of Leadership, Says Atiku

Published

2 days ago

December 26, 2024

Eric

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has attributed Nigeria’s worsening hardship to lack of effective leadership, emphasising the need for sacrifices by political leaders for the collective good.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his Christmas message to Nigerians, called on the nation to confront the root causes of its struggles while embracing unity and love during the festive season.

Atiku extended warm greetings to Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, urging Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the season.

“It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face,” Atiku said.

He acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians in the face of unprecedented economic and social challenges but lamented the widespread suffering and preventable deaths resulting from poor governance.

“The failure of our leaders to make necessary sacrifices has deepened the hardship and widened the gap between the people and those in power,” he said.

Atiku criticized the lack of visionary leadership in the country, blaming it for the deteriorating quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

He highlighted how poor governance has exacerbated economic difficulties, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.

“Our current struggles are not insurmountable,” Atiku noted, “but addressing them requires leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the people over political expediency.”

Despite his critique of the current administration, Atiku’s message carried a tone of hope and encouragement.

He called on Nigerians to remain united and to confront their shared challenges with love and compassion for one another.

“With love and unity, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Let us, therefore, come together to share love and joy with all people of goodwill,” he urged.

Atiku also reminded Nigerians of the spirit of Christmas as a time for reflection, gratitude, and selflessness. He encouraged citizens to draw inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth symbolizes hope and renewal.

As Nigerians continue to grapple with economic and social instability, Atiku expressed hope for a brighter future, urging all citizens to work together to create a nation that prioritizes the welfare of its people.

“We must not lose sight of our collective strength and potential. With the right leadership and shared determination, Nigeria can rise above its challenges,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain wished all Nigerians a blessed Christmas filled with peace, happiness, and renewed hope for the future.

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Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

5 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

Featured

Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

6 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!