Thoughts on the #30DaysRantChallenge
For the past few days, social media — especially Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) — has been buzzing with the #30DaysRantChallenge. It all started when Raye, a Nigerian youth corps member, posted a video expressing her frustrations about the economy and the sanitary conditions in Lagos. The post went viral, drawing mixed reactions. In response, she threw down a challenge: for 30 days, people should freely air their grievances about the state of the nation.
And trust Nigerians — not ones to shy away from voicing their thoughts — to take up the challenge with gusto. Browsing through the countless posts and videos, I noticed recurring themes, which got me thinking: beyond venting our frustrations, what are we really saying? More importantly, after the rant, what next?
Here are some of the dominant themes I observed and my reflections on them.
Tribalism: A Nation Divided?
If you’re active on social media, particularly X, you’ve likely encountered the growing trend of tribalistic debates. The 2023 elections only amplified the issue, with ethnic intolerance appearing more pronounced than ever. The “Yoruba ronu” rhetoric, the “Igbos and Hausas are sworn enemies” narrative — all of it fuels division rather than unity. But who benefits from this animosity?
Nigeria has always been a melting pot of cultures. Intermarriages and integrations have blurred many of our historical differences, yet tribal sentiment continues to shape political discourse and everyday interactions. It makes one wonder: are subjects like Civic Education, Social Studies, and History still given due importance in our schools? Does the National Orientation Agency still function? Because if so, they have their work cut out for them.
Religious Divides: Faith as a Tool for Discord
Closely tied to tribalism is religious intolerance. Nigeria is home to diverse faiths, with millions coexisting peacefully. Yet, conflicts driven by religious differences still flare up, especially in the North. Time and again, stories of violence erupt between Christians and Muslims, often fueled by misinformation or political manipulation.
Must religious differences always lead to strife? Or can we, as a people, strive for a deeper understanding and tolerance of one another? Until we prioritize dialogue over division, these tensions will persist.
Lawlessness and Lack of Accountability
One of the most common complaints in the rants was the culture of impunity in Nigeria. Many people feel that the law is selective — justice bends for those with power and wealth while crushing the ordinary citizen. When people believe the judiciary is complicit in the nation’s woes, who do they turn to for justice?
This perception is dangerous because it fuels vigilante actions and mob justice. A legal system that fails to uphold fairness weakens societal trust. If we are to progress as a nation, we must demand accountability, both in governance and in everyday life.
Law Enforcement: Friend or Foe?
We’ve all heard the phrase, “The police is your friend,” but for many Nigerians, interactions with law enforcement tell a different story. While there are undoubtedly good officers, the general perception is one of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency. If the very institution meant to uphold the law is compromised, where does that leave the average citizen?
A professional and impartial police force is crucial for national stability. Reforming the police should not just be a slogan but an active, ongoing effort.
Corruption: The Oldest Nigerian Story
A Nigerian rant would be incomplete without addressing corruption. Our music, movies, and even daily conversations often reflect how deeply entrenched it is. Public funds disappear, projects remain uncompleted, and leaders continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the people.
Stories of former public officials amassing obscene wealth surface regularly. And yet, consequences remain rare. Until corruption is tackled with the seriousness it deserves — through transparency, stricter enforcement of laws, and public accountability — our progress will remain stunted.
Economic Hardship: The Struggle to Survive
A viral skit recently illustrated the depreciation of the naira by comparing what ₦500 could buy ten years ago versus today. The difference is staggering. The cost of living has skyrocketed while income levels stagnate. People are struggling — black tax (financial support from relatives) is keeping many afloat, but even those who give are stretched thin.
What practical solutions exist? Beyond complaining, Nigerians need to push for economic policies that prioritize growth, support local industries, and curb inflation. If policymakers won’t act, citizen advocacy must increase.
Poor Infrastructure: The Never-Ending Decay
Bad roads, epileptic electricity, clogged gutters, no streetlights — the list goes on. Worse still, both rich and poor neighbourhoods suffer from these issues. Instead of maintaining existing infrastructure, the government often announces ambitious new projects while neglecting ongoing decay.
It’s frustrating, but it also raises an important question: How often do we hold public officials accountable for infrastructural neglect?
Education: A Failing System
Five public schools surround my estate. Their crumbling structures, lack of learning materials, and general neglect make me question how much education is actually happening within their walls. I see students strolling in at 9 AM when school officially starts at 7:30 AM. Many go through the motions of schooling but receive an education that leaves them unprepared for global competition.
What will it take for Nigeria to prioritize education? More funding? Better teacher training? Community involvement? The answer likely lies in a combination of all three and many more.
Leadership: A Reflection of the People?
We often blame leaders for Nigeria’s problems, but are they truly separate from the society that produces them? The truth is, a nation’s leadership is often a reflection of its people. The culture of “anyhowness” trickles down from the highest offices to everyday actions.
We demand better leaders, but how many of us are actively involved in governance beyond election season? Holding leaders accountable shouldn’t be a one-time event — it must be constant.
Healthcare: Pray You Don’t Fall Sick
Between fake drugs, poorly equipped hospitals, and the mass exodus of medical professionals, Nigeria’s healthcare system is on life support. Many doctors and nurses have left the country in search of better opportunities abroad. Some joke that soon, we may have to rely on traditional healers for medical care. But is it really a joke?
Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. But until the government prioritizes it, access to quality medical care will remain a struggle for many.
Beyond the Rants: What Next?
It’s easy to complain — and we should. But after the rant, what next? Are we, in our individual capacities, making positive changes in our communities? That clogged gutter in front of your house — are you throwing trash into it or cleaning it up? That corrupt official — are you holding them accountable? That fake news circulating on WhatsApp — are you fact-checking before sharing?
Nigeria’s challenges are vast, but so is its potential. We cannot afford to be passive. Let’s demand higher standards from ourselves and others. Let’s stop “managing” and start changing. Because in the end, the real question isn’t how loudly we can rant — it’s what we do after the ranting stops. This is the way I see things today.