“Nigerians need to embrace the true history of their country, beyond the official façade.”
Sociology studies developments and interactions within societies and attempts to make patterns and predictions based on inferences and extrapolations from such “scientific” observations rather than mere observations as recorded in history. It is a field of humanities that aims to
In mainstream politics as practiced in Nigeria, neither politics nor society itself is considered as subjects that need to be specially studied and mastered. Military President Ibrahim Babangida has shown extraordinary foresight so far and during his adventures in national political leadership by arming himself with a political science ‘coach’.
Many years ago, research for a book led this author to visit the UNILAG residence of the late Professor Olatunde Oloko, highly regarded as Nigeria’s foremost sociologist of the time.
The discussion focused on a wide range of national issues, during which he repeatedly mentioned the name of Alex Inkeles.
Inkeles is a sociologist at Harvard University who, after extensive research that his team conducted in six “developing” countries in the 1960s, when many “Third World” countries were developing, published the book “Becoming”. I later learned that he had published a book titled “Modern.” gained independence from colonial rule. It’s already becoming clear that some countries are developing less, while others are developing by leaps and bounds, and researchers are keen to find out why there are differences. It was.
According to Inkeles, “…it is impossible for a nation to move into the 20th century if its people continue to live virtually in a previous era…”.
Six thousand people were interviewed in Chile, India, Israel, East Pakistan (later to become Bangladesh), Argentina, and — wait for it — Nigeria. There have been attempts to calculate what is known as the “overall modernity” (OM) of individual citizens, based on the assumption that modern states cannot be created without modern citizens.
This study yields several interesting conclusions, including the confirmation that the most important factors for a nation’s overall modernity include education, exposure to mass media, and professional experience in modern workplaces. It was done.
Mr. Inkeles’ conclusions may be questioned today, as can Professor Oroko’s firm belief that his insights are applicable to Nigeria. However, it is interesting to take a sociological approach and ask questions such as:
“After 64 years of independence from colonial rule, what is it that prevents Nigeria from becoming a modern nation, or even a “nation” distinct from its mere geographical expression? Where is the unfinished work? ”
How can we complete unfinished business and create a modern nation-state that realizes not only the individual potential of its people but also its collective potential?
For Africa’s giants, there is no silver bullet for national success, and their fate determines the fate of Africa and the black people. However, there are some points worth considering.
Nigerians need to embrace the true history of their country, beyond the official façade. This includes the psychology behind the merger and the mistrust, mutual suspicion, and subterfuge between the “founding fathers” each vying for supremacy.
There are also significant landmarks that have pockmarked this country’s history, where diverse stories steeped in emotion and even hatred have been passed down from generation to generation. Anyone who reads the story in Solape Ademuregun’s book, The Brigadier’s Daughter, which tells the story of a six-year-old girl who saw her father and pregnant mother shot dead in their bedroom, knows that Nigeria’s I’m sure you’ll sympathize with the view that it’s the next coup d’état. It was nothing like the brilliantly executed surgical strikes carried out by young patriotic soldiers to rescue Nigeria. Similarly, hearing the testimonies of friends about their harrowing experiences in Biafra and those of eyewitnesses to the Asaba massacre reveals why they still evoke emotions and harden attitudes to this day. become easier to understand.
There are two psychosocial routes for Nigerians to come to terms with their history. One is through the catharsis of the “Truth and Reconciliation” exercise. Sadly, unlike what happened in South Africa, this does not suit Nigeria’s temperament or tendency to project responsibility and not accept responsibility.
The alternative is a deliberate youth-led movement to “draw a line in the sand,” forgetting and forgiving all past misdeeds by commission or omission, and moving forward while breaking with the narratives inherited from our parents. Agree collectively.
Only when one of these is done will Nigeria’s consensual history be taught to children across the country.
Another mountain to climb has to do with the nation’s values, which are in turmoil. There is no agreed upon sense of right or wrong, good or bad. Despite widespread religiosity among the masses, this extends to all walks of life.
It is impossible for any country to develop with such a terrible lack of values.
The deliberate practice of defining an agreed set of values, instilling them in our children from the cradle, and intentionally enforcing them across the board, needs to be at the heart of true national renewal.
Governance and structures are dysfunctional. Effective power needs to be ceded to a “coalition force” to bring local leaders to the scene, end the ugly struggle over Aso Rock, and eliminate the temptation and risk of hegemony.
To hire only the best talent, you need to improve your leadership recruitment.
The scale and cost of governance is enormous and unsustainable, and the disgusting joke of the “constituency project” dramatizes its absurdity.
The “We the People” agreement embodied in the Constitution needs to be redrafted.
There are other things that can be achieved.
A judiciary committed to truth and the Nigerian project and free from power.
Deliberate re-parenting processes for out-of-school children coupled with social casework, compulsory school entry and skill acquisition.
An economy that truly works and doesn’t leave the unfortunate majority on the dunghill.
It seems like a lot, but none of it is out of reach for Nigerians, who are among the most creative and enterprising people on the planet.
Dear Nigerians, Happy 64th Anniversary Week.
