Citizens

By Mukhtar Sani Yusuf

Nigeria grapples with a multitude of complex challenges that defy easy solutions. While there is no single panacea, I firmly believe that by addressing two crucial elements, the nation can transcend its current predicaments and ascend to greater heights.

The pivotal factors that can propel Nigeria toward progress are effective leadership and a collective shift in the attitudes of its citizens. It is imperative that we harmonize these two aspects to achieve the transformative outcomes we aspire to see.

One prevalent tendency is to attribute Nigeria’s woes solely to its leaders, given their authority and access to resources for nation-building, economic development, law enforcement, and governance. Regrettably, instances abound where leaders have misappropriated resources or allowed wrongdoers to evade accountability, further exacerbating our challenges.

However, it is imperative to recognize that even with competent leaders at the helm, the onus lies on us to cultivate a positive mindset that complements leadership efforts in nation building. While poor governance accounts for a significant portion of our struggles, the remaining share of responsibility rests on our collective attitudes toward various facets of society.

Consider this: whether you are a laborer, teacher, banker, or any other professional, are you genuinely fulfilling the expectations set by your employers or clients?

Acknowledging our fallibility as humans, it is crucial to introspect and ascertain whether the majority of our actions align with ethical standards. If not, we must acknowledge our role in perpetuating challenges and recognize that transformative change begins with personal responsibility.

When juxtaposed with developed nations, the disparity is not due to any inherent superiority but rather the dedication of their citizens to national progress. Rome was not built in a day; it required a relentless commitment and a patriotic work ethic from its inhabitants. Similarly, Nigeria holds immense potential, with its vast population and abundant resources, waiting to be harnessed for prosperity.

To witness the transformation we yearn for, each of us must instigate a change in attitude within our spheres of influence. We must combat corruption, reject impunity, uphold honesty, punctuality, and dedication in our endeavors, make informed electoral choices, and embody patriotism that prioritizes the national interest. Without these shifts in mindset, the utopia we envision for Nigeria remains elusive.

In essence, the solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies not in a singular solution but in the collective evolution of our attitudes. The nation’s reservoir of human capital and natural resources presents boundless opportunities for progress, awaiting judicious utilization.

May Nigeria and its people be blessed on this journey towards a brighter tomorrow, amin.

Mukhtar Sani Yusuf wrote from Kano.

By Sadam Abubakar Soba

Bad government and the lack of good leadership have been a significant concern in Nigeria. Specifically, the rampant banditry cases, kidnapping and other social vices surge are primarily attributed to the leaders’ fault. However, when we ponder deeply, we will realize that in most cases, the said security threats and other aspects are due to our collective faults.

It’s a tradition of the uncreated creator of Allah (SWT) to bestow authority to a particular member of a large society. Meanwhile, no angel shall be sent from heaven to serve a position of power to humankind society. Therefore, we have to prepare the leaders who should serve us justly within ourselves.

Parents who condone and regard the triviality of their children’s wrongdoing should stop it.  In the old days, a neighbour could correct other neighbours’ children’s mistakes and receive commendation from the father of the disobeyed child. Unfortunately, the reverse is absolutely the case today. Children are allowed to be trained by the spoilt environment, the degenerate peer, and the western and local irresponsible media. Can we expect decent children from such an unorganized system??

Most youths of the present day but rare possessed the qualities of our forefathers. We lack courage, confidence, patience, venturesome to mention but few. Our excelled business tycoon did not wake up rich just a day; it takes a great deal of hard work and patience to amass wealth.

Up to date, our patriots get their reputations and continued prayers from living human beings because of their selfless service to humanity. Are we doing the same today?? Most bandits, kidnappers, and those who indulge in raping destroying the chastity of young girls and boys are not alien or transported from the outside world. They are the product of society, killing the same community.

Lawlessness, vandalism, and inappropriate usage of government infrastructure have been the day’s order. Of course, people would complain of the bad road causing accidents. But, as soon as good roads are constructed, overspeeding and reckless driving would cause more accidents.

People would complain of lack of Justice. Howbeit, they are not proponents of the reign of Justice in society. Go to villages and some urban areas and see how older people treat their young ones. This spread across every part of societal settings that make the whole day, weeks, months and even a year.

Let’s all go back to our senses, embrace our responsibility, practice the righteous deeds enshrined in our religion, do the needful, stop cursing leaders, and let’s all correct our mistakes.

Sadam Abubakar Soba wrote from Coventry, United Kingdom, via  sadamabubakarsoba@gmail.com.