Nigeria in need of dreamers - Musings from my speech at Harvard University, Mar 5 2014)

Discussions about Nigeria always arouses deep interest because of the unique sense of expectation that it has always infused; concerns on its stability, cautious optimism on its potential, and earnest prayers that one day all of its controversies, contradictions, and contrarian impulses, will resolve nicely or miraculously, and it will rise like the mythical phoenix and take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Myths can serve as a battle cry to galvanize the citizens of a nation towards achieving goals - for good (self-serving) or evil (self-destructive). For example, for the USA, it is exceptionalism, and for the Germans, it is supremacists.

For Nigeria, negative myths abound amongst the citizens such as, “Nigeria is a mistake”; “a mere geographical expression”, and “Nigerians show individual brilliance, especially in diaspora, but unable to produce good leaders”. The most spiteful is ascribed to Sir Lugard that the “traits of the native are his lack of apprehension and ability to visualize the future”. 

Many of these myths have been parroted so many times as orthodoxies, that many Nigerians take them as gospel truth. What can be further from the truth? True, Nigeria has a chequered history, but which country hasn't?

In a way, Nigeria is politically an imperfect union – because the component parts have not been able to negotiate the terms of co-habitation. This is perhaps why one must shudder at some Nigerians with hard-headed mindset to erase that “mistake”, and this has sired sectarian violence, prebendal politics, terrorism, destruction, ethnicity, and religious bigotry. Some protagonists have sought separation or restructuring on regional lines.

It is true that we are punching below our weight in several areas, and I feel discouraged sometimes when I think of the many wasted opportunities over the years, and how instead of harnessing our potentials for greatness, we have rather created challenges (security, poverty, illiteracy, corruption, infrastructure deficit). I feel discouraged sometimes when I see that many of the citizens who are pointing fingers, are themselves guilty of worse things in their areas of influence. During such moments, I do find myself asking if there is any balm in Gilead.

However, in such periods, I also reflect on some of what we have come through as a nation, including a civil war and 30-years of authoritarian military rule with some of the period under a brutal dictator. I also reflect on some of the progress we have made including in areas like telecommunications, banking and even NLNG. I am then encouraged that we can come through our current challenges and become the superpower we have potential to be. 

In addition, Nigeria has demonstrated in many ways its enormous potentials as one country. It is the biggest economy in Africa, it has huge natural resources (oil, gas, solid minerals - gold, iron ore) and has a large 84-million hectares of arable land and excellent weather, that is suitable for varied agricultural purposes. Nigeria’s population (mainly young) is projected to become 3rd largest in the world by 2055 behind India and China. Nigeria’s GDP is projected to exceed US$4 trillion and rank 13th among world’s largest economies by 2050.

Also, Nigeria has produced many firsts, including the first television station in Africa; Africa's very first Nobel laureate and Africa's richest man. Rag-tag film producers, actors and actresses have taken on the world with Nolywood. Young musicians have taken the global stage by storm and there has been rise of savvy businessmen and entrepreneurs in banking, oil, gas, power, digital and e-commerce.

To attain our potential, many things have to be done by the government on (1) Stability - security, peace, justice (2) Infrastructure - power, transport, education, health (3). Policies - favorable for industrial revolution and manufacturing.(4) economy - private sector led engine of growth, engender corporate culture and tackle corruption (5). Technology and information management to leapfrog.

But it also require things to be done by us citizens like (1) Unity - avoid ethnic and religious divide (2) Proactive - active in electoral process to elect right leaders at all levels (3) Doing right - avoiding corruption and paying taxes. (4) Community - supporting disadvantaged in society (5) Support country and not act to discourage foreign investors. 

We all have a role to play for “Team Nigeria” to win, and we all must play our part in the process of rebuilding our nation, to attain our potential. 

Nigerians are eager, restless, and impatient to take hold of history and change their fortunes; defiance and resilience are hallmarks of their history. The can-do spirit is the lifeblood of our progress, and this specialness is waiting for the right environment to flower.

The country needs leaders and compatriots who believe in the myth of “Nigeria’s specialness”, if for nothing else, by virtue of being the biggest black nation on earth. Nigeria is endowed by nature, and we the people now need to demonstrate capacity to engage in critical thinking and organizing, so as to move the country beyond current challenges.

Nigeria needs nation-builders, who are willing to see Nigeria beyond its chequered history, willing to put national aspirations above their personal, religious, or tribal interests; men and women, who will pull together talents across the country, in response to the yearnings of the citizenry for a platform to make a mark in the world.

Nigeria’s rise will depend on how its fundamental challenges are resolved by all compatriots. It will also require visionary leaders who like the biblical Joshua, will take Nigeria to the promised land.

Nigeria’s specialness is in need of dreamers, of a certain kind and quality.