As a student of
history, I learned that the British merged the country together simply and
practically for purpose of reducing the cost of administration of the three
major regions of the country, Nigeria, that is, Northern, Eastern and Western
region respectively. They never and didn’t put into consideration the different
cultures and ethnicities, their life style, general outlook to life, religion affiliation,
and the rest other variables (variances) and factors that make each ethnic group
unique in its overall outlook to life.
In the midst of all of
these, Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 by Lord Fredrick Lugard, the then
British Administrator of Nigeria. In my own personal opinion, I wonder then,
why the British could not granted each region (north, east& west) their
individual and separate autonomy to govern themselves as it was done in the
case of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Southern Rhodesia(Zimbabwe) and Nyanzaland
(Malawi) couple with the presence of natural boundary of River Niger in the
country.
Born out of insensitivity
and lack of consideration, for the people that make up the entity call Nigeria,
the clash of their differences (point of views), is the result of gross embezzlement
of public fund corruption, dishonesty, lies, misappropriation of public fund, nepotism,
favoritism, injustice, moral decadence, breakdown of value system, lawlessness,
misplacement of priority, youth joblessness, uncaring attitude of Government
toward her citizens, etc we have be experiencing since independence.
The British introduced
class system into public administration, and it was handed over to Tafawa
Balewa (a Northerner) in October 1st 1960 (Independence Day), our first prime
minister. If it is not so, how would one explain some group considering
themselves to be born to rule and not to lead?
In summary, we have to
bear in mind the natural selfishness of man, which lead Europeans to spread
over the world for greener pasture-that is, to escape injustice from church
domination of 15th century and bad leaders over their in Europe,
therefore, you don’t expect them to want to treat you without prejudice and
equality, especially with racial discrimination believe of an average white
man.
“To keep
their industries running in their home country, Europeans came together and
held a meeting in Berlin (1888) where Africa countries were divided officially
among themselves to be governed, explored, exploit and transport Africa mineral
resources and farm produce such as cocoa and groundnut. They dictate both the
buying price of the raw-materials and equally dictate the selling price of the
finished products”
Solution:
Therefore, the only way
out of Nigeria predicament is to spend money on human capital development, for
Nigeria Government to harness its both human and natural resources for overall
development of the nation. Youth empowerment is very key. No foreign direct investment can do this except
we ourselves being ready to do this. We should love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Don’t think evil of your fellowman, be an advocate of be your brothers’ keeper
and we shall see that the country shall be great. Good value system, provision
of basic infrastructure, assistance by Government in providing basic
necessities such housing and subsidizing of prices on food. Job creation for
her teeming youths through farm settlement, technical training and
establishment of youth inspiration and permanent exhibition centre.
Article
written by Olutunde Oladipupo
Public
Opinion Commentator
Olutude.oladipupo@gmail.com
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