By; Amb ALIYU BIN ABBAS
I have a dream, a dream of a Nigeria finally unburdened from the chains of colonial manipulation, where the shackles of inequality and injustice are ripped apart, and a united, powerful nation emerges.
But let’s face the harsh truth: our current reality tells a dramatically different story, one where Nigeria’s potentials are squandered due to the legacy of colonization, internal turmoil, and leadership failures.
As we stand on the precipice of change, it’s imperative to confront the lingering grip of colonialism that still throttles Nigeria’s path. The nauseating ties that keep us tethered to the United Kingdom and the Western powers, those former colonizers, have proved nothing but detrimental.
The era of maintaining these shackles must end; it’s time to explore new alliances, possibly with the BRICS group of nations—a coalition of emerging economies that could actually benefit us and foster true collaboration in a swiftly evolving global stage.
From the moment we claimed independence, Nigeria embarked on a downward spiral that has been unrelenting. Let’s put the plummeting value of the Nigerian Naira against the US Dollar front and center. The ever-widening gap between these two currencies is a glaring symbol of a nation that’s failed to navigate the international economy effectively, spiraling into an abyss rather than ascending to prosperity.
And then, in this sea of struggle, enters Bola Ahmed Tinubu—claiming a prominent spot in the spotlight, though not for noble reasons. As Nigeria grapples with internal fractures, socio-economic setbacks, and a political landscape teetering on the edge, certain figures seem all too willing to exploit these vulnerabilities for their selfish gain.
The audacity of a leader manipulating an ECOWAS military intervention as a ruse to clinging to the presidency is a stark reminder of misplaced priorities. It’s a tactic that further diverts attention from the real needs of the Nigerian populace.
My dream, forgive me for daring to dream, envisions a Nigeria where unity isn’t just a word, where leaders genuinely prioritize the nation’s wellbeing over their personal power trips.
In this alternate reality, a functional Nigeria would harness the boundless potential of its diverse people, irrespective of their ethnicity, religious beliefs, or regional affiliations. It’s a world where education, healthcare, and opportunities flow evenly to every citizen, regardless of their societal standing.
But let’s not kid ourselves, the gap between this vision and the grim reality is gaping and impossible to ignore. The Nigerian populace, shackled not only by external forces, but also by its own apathy, remains stuck in a perpetual cycle of inaction.
The power to change lies within us, but it’s been smothered by years of complacency and indifference. We’re collectively under a spell—a convenient illusion that let’s select few maintain control, while the majority languish.
Picture this: if everyone stood up, if every Nigerian refused to accept this nightmarish status quo, the government would crumble overnight. But instead, we continue to doze in a trance of our own making. The power to reshape our nation, to strip away the remnants of colonization, and to tear down the scaffolding of corrupt leadership rests within our collective will.
It’s time for Nigerians to shake off the stupor, to realize that the power to break free from these chains is within our grasp. Let’s not be blinded by the history of oppression or the puppetry of opportunistic leaders. By daring to envision a Nigeria where justice prevails, where unity is more than an empty slogan, we ignite the spark of change.
In the end, the dream of a united, prosperous Nigeria refuses to fade away. It’s a dream that challenges us to look past our differences, to rise above the weight of the past, and to work collectively toward a future that’s brighter for all. If we have the audacity to dream, to unite as a formidable force, we can bulldoze the barriers of history and create a Nigeria that stands as a beacon of hope, not only for ourselves but for the entire continent and the world.
Amb Aliyu Bin Abbas is the President, National Youth Alliance (NYA).
