Nigeria at 66: Embracing Our Uniqueness in Diversity

Nigeria is one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is an unlikely but important nation. Many people give credit to Ms Shaw, but some use the term ‘Nigeria’ to refer to the people from different parts of the country. In 1862, English trader William Cole published a book titled Life in the Niger, based on his 1859 experiences. He often used the word “Nigerians” to describe the people living near the river. Also in 1863, famous explorer Sir Richard Burton used the term “Nigerian” in his essay, “My Wanderings in West Africa: A Visit to the Renowned Cities of Warri and Benin.”

So, January 9, 1897, was not the first time the name described people who lived around the lower Niger. Today, 66 years after we gained independence from Britain, I carry this name with pride. It represents the space from which I am called to serve humanity.

The world now believes that a successful country is one that takes care of its citizens. This idea has led many to see Nigeria as a curse. Our nation has many difficult issues, making people compare us to countries with better infrastructure. Some even romanticize the past, including the colonial era. These views often come from emotions rather than a real understanding of our situation.

Nigeria's complexity creates a chance for originality. This starts with real curiosity instead of just copying others. The role of generosity in Nigerian self-expression is significant. This is why Nigeria ranks high in global giving. This spirit of generosity should be a part of our identity. It should guide how we see ourselves and how we interact.

For example, at independence in 1960, only 15.6 percent of Nigerians could read. Life expectancy was around 36-37 years, and GDP per person was $93 after 60 years of British rule. By 1960, only 8,745 kilometers, or about 13 percent, of the 66,000 kilometers of roads were tarred. In contrast, after 66 years of independence, 60,000 kilometers, or 31 percent, of the current 200,000 kilometers of roads are tarred. Adult literacy has increased to 70 percent, and life expectancy is now 55 years. For a nation often seen as failing, these are significant improvements for our estimated 240 million people.

There are many things that still need to improve. This should motivate us to do better. Our country needs bigger solutions, pushing us to innovate. The frequent power outages drive us to create alternatives. The poor state of our roads calls for more than just tarred surfaces. The high levels of corruption and wealth acquisition raise questions about our values. The insecurity we face, with organized attacks on everyday Nigerians, challenges our political system. It also opens up important discussions about Nigeria as a nation with over 372 ethnic groups. Finding solutions in our diversity is becoming more important than top-down solutions.

Nigeria's complexity creates a chance for originality. This begins with real curiosity instead of just copying others. The role of generosity in our self-expression and why we rank high in global giving should be part of how we see ourselves. The lesson from Dangote is not just about wealth. It is about building the largest refinery and creating jobs for tens of thousands.

Decolonizing our mindset is important for achieving real change. Part of this is encouraging the three major ethnic groups, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, to act as trustees for the other 372 ethnicities. We should work to close the gap between residents and citizens. Numbers should not determine importance.

The Nigerian elite often look to benchmarks. If they start investing more in Nigeria, it could lead to real change. The harsh judgments we face as a nation often come from a colonial mindset that sees Western ways as the only valid form of progress. This view overlooks our ability to create original solutions and the lessons we learn from failure.

Decolonizing our mindset is vital for achieving real change. We should also encourage the three major ethnic groups, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, to act as trustees for the other 372 ethnicities. We must work to close the gap between residents and citizens, ensuring that numbers do not decide significance. We need a system that values diverse perspectives, allowing us to disagree respectfully. Women should be central to our society, not sidelined.

Nigerians are among the most adaptable and resilient people. This is what defines our evolution. The challenge for the coming decades is for Nigerians to intentionally refine this adaptability into a skill for future excellence.