A Journey Through Nigeria’s Past and Present.
In the chronicles of history, Nigeria was once a symbol of promise, a nation filled with vibrant cultures and a rich array of traditions. The recollections of a safe and stunning country are ingrained in the minds of many who lived through it. One such story is the renowned tale of the Bako family, captured within an English comprehension textbook called “Reader,” which was widely used in secondary schools throughout the nation. Their travels across Nigeria during the long holidays serve as a touching reminder of our past glory and the current reality.
A Comprehensive View of a Remarkable Nation
The Bako family, David, Mary, and their two children—set out on an adventure that would leave a lasting impact on their lives and the shared memory of their country. As the holidays drew near, they prepared their belongings, filled their car with excitement, and hit the road to explore Nigeria. Their journey kicked off in Lagos, the vibrant city that acted as a gateway to the entire nation.
From Lagos, they traveled into the Southwest, with their first destination being the Ewekoro Cement Factory, a showcase of the nation’s industrial capabilities. The family’s travel plans included a blend of educational and cultural activities intended to provide them with a well-rounded perspective of their homeland. They explored Ibadan, the historic capital of the Southwest, where they admired Cocoa House, an architectural wonder representing the aspirations and successes of Nigeria post-independence.
The family’s expedition carried them to Jebba, where the Paper Mill served as a symbol of industrial advancement. They then proceeded to Kainji to admire the impressive Kainji Dam, one of Africa’s largest dams and a source of national pride for every Nigerian. Their visit to the Yankari Game Reserves afforded them a view of the wild and unspoiled beauty of Nigeria’s fauna, presenting a sharp contrast to the lively urban areas they had explored earlier.
The Bako family’s exploration led them to locations with evocative names such as Vom and Potiskum, each offering a distinct mix of culture, history, and natural splendor. They took part in fishing celebrations, new yam festivals, and various vibrant cultural gatherings that highlighted the rich diversity of Nigerian traditions. The country emerged as a tapestry of warm-hearted people, each possessing unique stories and customs, yet united as one Nigeria.
A Secure and Inviting Nation
In their travels, the Bako family found Nigeria to be a secure and inviting country. They moved about without the necessity for police escorts or personal security, showcasing the relative peace and stability of that time. Their experiences symbolized a microcosm of a larger story—a nation that was proud, self-assured, and optimistic about its future. The local people were warm and welcoming, eager to share their traditions and culture with visitors.
The Slide into Disorder
Jump to the present, and the difference is painful and striking. The Nigeria of today is a nation that is disintegrating from the inside. Armed criminals wander the countryside, looting, assaulting, and abducting travelers, farmers, and everyday individuals from their homes. The once-safe country has transformed into a landscape filled with fear and unpredictability, where citizens hesitate to travel to certain regions or even return to their villages during holidays or significant events.
This raises the pressing question: how did we lose our once-beautiful nation? What has become of the Nigeria that the Bako family explored with such liberty and delight? The answers are intricate and varied, rooted in a combination of political, economic, and social factors that have contributed to our current situation.
Political Turbulence and Dishonesty
A major contributor to Nigeria’s decline is political turbulence and widespread corruption. Since gaining independence, Nigeria has suffered from a cycle of military coups, civilian governance, and an ongoing quest for power. This political instability has fostered an environment where corruption flourishes, and public funds are mismanaged, leaving scant resources for development and the improvement of citizens’ lives.
Corruption has deeply entrenched itself across all levels of society, from top government officials to essential public services. This widespread issue erodes the nation’s foundation, weakening trust and straining the relationship between the government and its citizens. The consequences are stark: crumbling infrastructure, dysfunctional healthcare and education systems, and a justice system often swayed by power rather than the law.
Economic mismanagement has also played a significant role in Nigeria’s decline. The country’s over-reliance on oil revenues has left it vulnerable to global market fluctuations, leading to periods of boom and bust that have destabilized the economy. The lack of diversification has meant that other sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, have been neglected, failing to reach their full potential.
The economic policies of successive governments have often been shortsighted and self-serving, prioritizing the interests of a few at the expense of the many. This has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and inequality, creating a tinderbox of social unrest. The economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians have fueled discontent and provided fertile ground for various forms of criminality, including banditry and kidnapping.
Social Divisions and Ethnic Tensions
Nigeria’s social fabric is a complex tapestry of over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, culture, and traditions. While this diversity is a source of wealth, it has also been a source of tension and conflict. Ethnic rivalries and regional disparities have often been exploited by political elites to gain and maintain power, leading to a cycle of violence and mistrust.
The Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, the herder-farmer conflicts in the Middle Belt, and the Niger Delta militancy are all manifestations of deeper social and economic grievances that have been allowed to fester. These conflicts have not only claimed countless lives but have also displaced millions, created a humanitarian crisis, and further destabilized the nation.
The security challenges facing Nigeria today are multifaceted and interconnected. The rise of armed banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling in the Northwest and North Central regions has created a sense of insecurity that permeates every aspect of life. Travelers are afraid to use certain roads, farmers are reluctant to go to their farms, and communities live in constant fear of attacks.
The Nigerian military and police have often been criticized for their inability to tackle these security challenges effectively. This has led to a loss of trust between the security agencies and the citizens they are meant to protect. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons, coupled with the porous nature of Nigeria’s borders, has also contributed to the escalation of violence and criminality.
The path to restoring Nigeria’s lost beauty lies in addressing these deep-seated issues holistically. Political reforms are urgently needed to entrench democracy, accountability, and transparency. This includes strengthening institutions, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring that elections are free, fair, and credible. Corruption must be tackled head-on, with robust anti-corruption measures and a commitment to punishing those who steal from the public coffers.
Economic diversification is crucial for Nigeria’s long-term sustainability. The government must invest in agriculture, manufacturing, and other non-oil sectors to create jobs and reduce poverty. A focus on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare will also be vital in building a resilient and prosperous nation.
Addressing social divisions and ethnic tensions requires a commitment to inclusivity and equity. All regions and ethnic groups must feel represented and included in the political and economic life of the nation. Dialogue and mediation can play a crucial role in resolving long-standing conflicts and building a sense of national unity.
Finally, enhancing security requires a multi-pronged approach, including better training and equipping of security forces, intelligence gathering, and community policing. The government must also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and ethnic tensions. Only then can Nigeria hope to restore the peace and security that once defined it.
The journey of the Bako family offers a poignant reminder of what Nigeria once was—a beautiful, secure, and hospitable land. The contrast between that Nigeria and the one we live in today serves as a stark wake-up call. We have lost our way, but it is not too late to find our path back to greatness. By addressing the political, economic, and social challenges that plague us, we can restore the beauty of our nation and build a future where every citizen can live in peace, prosperity, and dignity. The Nigeria of our dreams is within reach; we must have the courage and determination to grasp it.