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HAVE WE BEEN WRONG?

Nigeria since its democratic dispensation has been plagued with a never-ending crisis of leadership. the west African country has continuously experienced a progressive decline in its leadership over time. A cursory look at the major milestones through the past period has conspicuously highlighted this problem facing the nation. Here and there, are signs of neglect and the 'I don't care attitude' its leaders have shown over time. A below-par infrastructural development, a decrepit security framework, a fast collapsing educational system, and a healthcare sector which is consistently plagued by many woes, and generally low index figures of parameters for normal human living are obvious signs of this neglect. 

To address all sides of the discussion; over time conscious Nigerians have continuously advocated for improved government attention; an issue which is still a mirage to date. There have also been calls for authorities to focus on the Nigerian project. Some of these calls have been heeded, other pertinent questions still remain unanswered. To put this into perspective, Nigeria is not alone in this. In one of my many arguments with 'brotherly', I have always emphasized the fact that the continent as a whole has not benefited from good leadership. Authority figures across the continent have had little or no impact on the development of their respective zones. But have we been wrong all the while?

There is actually this saying which points out solidly the fact that leaders arise from among the people. With the kind of leadership we have had over time; is this as a result of the general predisposition of the people being led? A country will only make meaningful strides in development when its people are ready to change and ask for their rights on the things that matter. Enough of heaping continuous blame on leadership; we the led, have we been proactive in demanding for all that can affect our lives positively? leaders are born; leaders are also made are amongst the theories I have learned in one of the many courses taken in pharmacy school. Are we as a nation with these obvious potentials ready to tirelessly spur our leaders to make the real change we want to happen?

Sampling individual opinions from time to time are one of the things I have passion for, And a trend I have noticed in my many moments of interaction is an increasing lack of interest in the real issues that can affect the trajectory of one's life. Nigerians have become so comfortable with accepting whatever they can get; but until when. Many do not have the knowledge of how the leadership apparatus works. Or have we forgotten the development of our dear nation lies in all hands being on deck in addressing germane issues affecting our collective growth?
The mob mentality on issues of no importance and a lack of focus on the real issues is so typical of us Nigerians. We are so quick to point accusing fingers but are we ready to soil those hands, repair the wheels and make the vehicle of this nation run? we readily identify the problem and even proffer solutions. But are we ready to make the conscious efforts that matter?

A nation is made up of its citizens; the principal values these inhabitants hold dear defines the collective identity of the nation. In a country where we are so quick to record another man begging for help or struggling for his life; with the way, the entire country is currently set up. Are we the citizens, the main problem? have we been wrong all along?  




Comments

  1. Of course, as you have pointed out the progress of a nation depends on her people. But as you have asked are we ready to be the change we seek or remain in the status quo which has invariably brought us to the point where we are? It is important to speak out concerning the roles and duty we have as citizens but I as a person, am tired of talking. But I also wish one act could change the general state of things or even for some sort of miracle or magic. But such blessings are hard to come by

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