Nigeria is a nation of possibilities
It will not be an exaggeration to say that God is so much interested in Nigeria. How else can we explain these: blessed with a landmass of nine hundred and twenty three thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight (923,768) square kilometers and with a population of one hundred and forty million, four hundred and thirty […]
It will not be an exaggeration to say that God is so much interested in Nigeria. How else can we explain these: blessed with a landmass of nine hundred and twenty three thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight (923,768) square kilometers and with a population of one hundred and forty million, four hundred and thirty one thousand, seven hundred and ninety persons (140,431,790 – 2006 census figure).
Virtually, all the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria have more than one mineral resources of which most are yet to be harnessed.
Our weather and climate is something worth celebrating. If not for some man-made disasters. We do not experience natural disasters like tsunami or earthquake. Perhaps, this saying is that “God must be a Nigerian,” is why He has so much blessed us with both natural and human resources.
Looking into the academic and intellectual breakthroughs in Nigeria, she has not done badly for herself. Recently, a Nigerian scientist, Esther Effiong dazzled Howard University in the United States by scoring 100% in the University’s PhD placement examination of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development; in fact, one of her university’s professor remarked that it was the first time in the 140 years of the university’s history that a research student would achieve the feat.
That aside, another Nigerian, Miss Nneka Ibekwe, an employee of NIPRD, won the second best poster presentation award on tuberculosis drug development at the Gordon Research Conference held at Magdalene College recently.
These two are some of the many Nigerian intellectual that we have, who are making Nigeria proud in the various endeavours.
Nigeria is also a country blessed with rich culture and religion. We have several churches and mosques in Nigeria. Over 80 Christian denominations and thousands of clergymen and women. What other nations of the world are not even enjoying, blessed with man-power and intellectuals, in art and culture we are not doing badly. In fact, our movie industry is rated third in the world.
In science and agriculture we are thriving amidst international community we are not backward and the list of the achievements can go on and on. Indeed, the land is green.
However, it is note-worthy that after 50 years of the country’s post-independence history, it does not pride itself in harnessing all these blessing that nature has given to her. As blessed as we are with young folks with intellectual minds, the country has not used her might to harness the power of science and technology for national development and has not made much investment in science and technology.
Nigeria needs to support young scientists who would provide the backbone for the nation’s technological breakthrough. Nigeria same vein, needs to promote tourism in as this will savour the richness of our numerous tourist sites.
In terms of governance and politics in Nigeria, we have been through and have suffered a lot from military to civilian rule and operating a multi-party system of government. In the recent past, our leaders have really been a thorn in the flesh instead of having our interest at heart, they have been embezzling and misappropriating public funds.
With 2011 general elections approaching, we have yet another opportunity for a change at all levels as such this is our chance to get it right, to choose leaders who will do us good.
The question now is, will Nigeria enjoy a good leadership come next regime? The answer to this question lies in the hands of the electorates, our decision as vouching who we will vote or not counts if actually equal opportunity and social justice will reign in Nigeria.
Even the gentlemen of the press have a very large role to also play come April, 2011. Until they actually become the eyes, ears and nose of the public, until they tell every truth as it is and bullshit. Politicians with inordinate ambition until then before they will actually be the custodian of the public wheel. Until then before they can discharge their duties well.
Idris Bridget Bukola, HND II Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Bida