Giant of Africa – Nigeria That Is!!
By E. E. Okpa
They say picture/s tell a thousand stories – assuming they are not doctored – which in this case, they are not.
It is about Nigeria Airways once known as Elephant in the Air; true to form – an Elephant cannot and does not fly. It says a lot.
Couple that with Nigeria claim as Giant of Africa – true to form but a lame and lousy “Giant” given that in many sectors of vital economic indicators Nigeria lags.
It does not matter Nigeria has more colleges and universities than any Africa country with degree holders and more PhDs to boast of. But the realities and perceptions are equal and opposite. In addition to lagging aviation industry, no Nigerian city and or state has water and wastewater systems. Lagos, Nigeria mega city of more than 17m people in an area less than 1,300 square miles has no water and wastewater systems – just close your eyes for a minute and think about that. But Nigeria apologists will tell anyone listening that is not important that what counts is that Nigerians are rich; mansions, luxury cars, visit London daily, trips abroad, medical check up overseas as most hospitals are dead zones, and all that. Speaking of healthcare delivery, in a recent interaction with former President Obasanjo at SMU in Dallas, he said he will not commit suicide for Nigeria and is happy going to Atlanta, Georgia, 2 times a year for medical check up. There you have it from a leader who has had held power in Nigeria for 11.5 years as both military Head of State and civilian president. Obasanjo’s 11.5 years of power is about 20.17% of Nigeria’s 57 years of independence. So Olusegun Obasanjo has the lion share of what is wrong with Nigeria given his presence on the political landscape.
On rich Nigerians, that is another way to look at it. But is all smoke screen intended to impress those easily swayed by mere material stuff. So called mansions are on septic tanks and borehole – water wells with poor filtration mechanism. Next time in Nigeria – look at sinks and see how brownish they turn because the water easily corrode the faucets and fixtures.
Back on aviation – The attached pictures show 4 countries and their national carriers – you be the judge on that of Nigeria.
It demonstrates based on facts that aviation in Nigeria is a loose and losing sector run to run-it-down. In 2000 when Obasanjo was still in power; second miserable political journey, there was strive/wish to bring back Nigeria Airways or better find a joint venture partner to resuscitate the airways. Then showed up Richard Branson deciding to create Virgin Nigeria because Nigeria Airways has such a back reputation, its brand is damaged and ruined.
Virgin Nigeria operated for a few years and went under prompting Richard Branson swearing he will NEVER do business in Nigeria and or with Nigerians again.
Nigeria is what it is because Nigerians many of them having obtained education abroadwhen they get home get caught up in tribal ways while pretending to operate modern industries with traditional and primitive approach. If Nigeria government is bad it is because of Nigerians. Ghosts are not running Nigeria – but Nigerians all blacks, and having control over their country as an independent nation for 57 years. While INDEPENDENT but very DEPENDENT on others to come to her rescue.
These individuals have degrees from here to Jericho and are quick to flash them but when it comes to operating institutions so they can stand up to minimum SI Units, Nigerians are not there. It does not matter whether they got the education from an Ivy League or from some other institutions – the outcome does not measure up to the hype. In Nigeria, one of the highest trading stocks on Nigeria Stock Exchange is NBL – Nigeria Breweries Limited; a bottling and alcoholic beverage company. What does that tell anyone – Nigerians rather put their Money where their Mouths are. Reason in beer parlors across Nigeria – the chants and cheers are loud how great Nigeria is. Go figure.
If all it took is having degrees and flashing them, Nigeria will be ahead in Africa and have respectable place in the world. Am afraid it takes more than that. Degrees are a dime a dozen – anyone with MOPP – Means-Opportunity-Persistence and Patience can MOP up any degree they want. What matters is life after degrees.
Now challenge and prove the pictures not to be real and tell us Nigeria is the Giant of Africa. Yes, if one is caught up in the chest beating and beer parlor culture of Nigeria where there are more NOISE than SOUND.
E E OKPA II
Dallas, Texas
