Nigerian columnist Temitope Lakisokun has launched a series of opinion pieces titled "Nobody Asked Me, But…" to share his observations on various aspects of Nigerian life. In his first piece, he reflects on the country's leadership and legacy, drawing comparisons with China's rise to global prominence. Lakisokun notes that Nigeria's history has been marked by coups, military rule, and a lack of institutional continuity, which has hindered the country's progress.
Lakisokun recalls the visit of Nigerian Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to the United States in 1961, where he was received by Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson at the airport. This gesture, Lakisokun argues, was a sign of respect and recognition of Nigeria's importance at the time. In contrast, today's Nigeria has struggled to maintain its position on the global stage, with its leadership often demanding little of itself.
The columnist draws inspiration from the philosopher Bertrand Russell, who visited China in the 1920s and observed that the country had much to teach the West. Russell predicted that China would eventually demand to be treated as an equal by the West, which has come to pass. China's sustained period of economic development since 1978 has transformed its place in the world, and today, an American president receives the Chinese president at the airport.
Lakisokun notes that Nigeria's history has been marked by interruptions to its institutions, including the civil service, diplomatic service, universities, and businesses. These interruptions have hindered the country's ability to accumulate experience and build relationships, unlike China, which has continued to build and grow. As a result, Nigeria has struggled to develop institutional memory and plan for the long term.
Despite these challenges, Lakisokun remains optimistic about Nigeria's future. The country is set to turn 66 on October 1 and has made significant contributions to science, medicine, business, academia, and the arts, often through its diaspora community. Nigeria remains Africa's most populous country and a major oil producer, with a young and dynamic population.
Lakisokun's reflections on Nigeria's leadership and legacy serve as a reminder of the country's potential and the need for change. He argues that Nigeria has the opportunity to change course and build a brighter future, but this will require a renewed focus on leadership, institutions, and long-term planning. The columnist's observations are a call to action for Nigerians to reflect on their country's history and work towards a better future.
As Nigeria looks to the future, it will be important for its leaders to prioritize institutional continuity, long-term planning, and a renewed focus on leadership. By learning from its past and drawing inspiration from other countries, such as China, Nigeria can work towards a brighter future and take its rightful place on the global stage. The country's 66th birthday on October 1 serves as a reminder of its progress and its potential for growth and development.
Key points
- Nigeria's leadership and legacy have been shaped by its history of coups and military rule.
- The country's institutional continuity has been hindered by interruptions to its civil service, diplomatic service, universities, and businesses.
- Nigeria has the opportunity to change course and build a brighter future, but this will require a renewed focus on leadership, institutions, and long-term planning.
