I often reminisce about my experience living in England because it brings pleasurable memories that actually gets me optimistic about the future of Nigeria . The standard of living and organized system in that country is something that has always excited me. Almost everything I watched on television and read in magazines was exactly as they were spelt but better expressed in reality. But most eye-opening was getting to understand that young people there face almost the same challenges as us here in Nigeria ! However, it is easy to get carried away by such development and become oblivious of the fact that that country and other developed ones paid the price during their long process of development to become what they are today- a place so many young Nigerians will love to migrate to.
In Terry Wogan’s autobiography “Is it me”, the renowned broadcaster noted that there was a time his father made long walks barefooted to get to school, where they used slates and chalks due to lack of writing materials. Does that not sound like a scene that can be found somewhere in today’s Nigeria ? It seems a very long time ago when developed countries were at the level Nigeria is today. But is it possible that when we get to the level they are today, we would have achieved much more? After all, we are very ambitious and strong-willed people who are good at knowing better than our teachers or colonial masters! I believe with a good sense of togetherness and workable government structure, we can really get there!
By “there”, I mean a corruption-free country where others want to visit and live in, a level where things work right- good electricity, equal access to clean water, good road, standard healthcare, qualitative education, decent wages for services rendered etc., a level where there is a prompt and accurate response to enquiries by the right authority, a level where we are all active citizens of Nigeria working together for progress. But, we must be ready to pay the price too, we shouldn’t be afraid of change, as long as it is for good of everyone. So many people resisted and are still resisting Abuja’s master plan, we complained when slums in the city were demolished because many people we rendered homeless, so that means every change that comes must come in a correct form. For example, the Lagos state government’s plan to ban molue buses should be well structured so that the drivers won’t be left jobless.
With God, I believe nothing is impossible, even though our economy, government structure etc. seems to be struggling right now; a secure future is possible for Nigeria . We should all support the government, and we youths should be allowed to fearlessly dream it and work towards it for indeed the New Nigeria will come to stay!
One thing to note is that much of England's, and other Western countries', wealth has come from the exploitation of countries like Nigeria. They have had a major helping hand by things like slavery and colonialism. In fact, I would argue that many other countries have 'paid the price' in order for the West to get where it is today.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, you are right - Nigeria must work towards moving towards development and improving the situation for the country and Nigerian people.