#Think Along With Me

Let us save the sinking ship

By bayo Fasunwon

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The Titanic was a massive Ship, built to conquer the Sea, provide comfort for the rich, and accommodation for the poor. An innovation seemingly surpassed the times it came into manifestation. For many, it was a rare privilege to be associated with it, either as a designer, the builder, workers, cabin crew, travelers, or just cleaners. It was a massive piece of art, engineering, and psychology combined. The Titanic promised a great future, a link to El Dorado and an assurance of a greater tomorrow. However, for haste, and the desire to make history, it sank by an avoidable challenge that appeared small on the surface, but has at its base a gigantic unmoved foundation.

Therefore, Titanic got a hit, and the waters got into it, and sank it. Before it sank, the lifeboats that could have saved many only saved little because of the selfishness of the rich. The dream sank, and many abandoned the mighty vessel and opted for the little boats, to seek safety. So the mighty fell and the weapons of war became desolate. The safety of life became much more important than the loyalty to history and aesthetic comfort. When the ship began to sink, life became more important and valuable. Life was everything, for to him that is joined to the living, there is hope. The pursuit of hope is the determination of decisions.

Nigeria, the Giant of Africa that had the latent destiny of taking many Africans to El Dorado is sinking, hopes are being dashed, and many are abandoning the Ship. Immigration officers are currently alarmed at the rate at which Nigerians are fleeing their motherland. Britain is angry that Nigerians under the guise of studying have flooded her streets, and brought many dependants with them. Any type of Visa to get out of the sinking ship seems appropriate to many Nigerians now.  The UCH in Ibadan has raised the alarm that more than 600 medical personnel have abandoned the ship, to find solace in the bosom of foreign nations. The NMA President who lamented the poor working conditions of doctors in Nigeria and specifically blamed State Governors for leaving General Hospitals in their respective states in miserable conditions reported that at least 50 medical doctors leave the country weekly. In the tertiary institutions, the Chairman of ASUU also provided the information that dedicated and passionate lecturers are being frustrated out of Nigerian universities. However, the gory story is not limited to the educated, as many artisans have fled, to practice their skills in other ‘God’s own countries’.

Stories abound of many who in a bid to leave the country at all cost have become food for the fishes in the Mediterranean Seas, while others have their carcasses become a relish for the Vultures in the desert; and not quite a few have become contented slaves in the foreign lands. However, many believe that to be a slave nourished with ‘cucumber and meat’ is better than being a freeborn in chains in one’s fatherland. If the exodus had been limited to humans, who have become willing slaves, who even pay to be enslaved, the concern would be less. However, industries, foreign and local investors, and job providers are leaving in droves, abandoning the ailing Nigeria Ship.

While, it would have been a succor that Nigerians who abandon the ship would one day return and rebuild the ruins with their remittances, it is also true that these ‘escapees’ may nurse grudges against a nation that frustrated them, and left them with no option than being pilgrims in other peoples’ vineyard. When their loyalties are sought later in life, they may as we have seen in many, turn their backs to the womb that once housed and nourished them. Just as Breel Embolo, who switched his nationality to Switzerland became the nemesis of his home country, Cameroon at the ongoing Qatar World Cup; many willing slaves may hinder Nigeria’s glorious future in years to come.

Let us save this ship. There is a need to change our mindset. In the first instance, people in power ought to believe that Nigeria could be better administered than it is right now. The mindset that people have to struggle and beg for what is right before it would be given has to change. The mindset that political office is an opportunity to emancipate them, and few others from the clutches of poverty must be eradicated. That belief that Nigerians are resilient and can take any hard life inducing policies must stop. The thought that Nigeria can never be as adorned as the United Arab Emirates or the West must die. If only our leaders at all levels can wean themselves from the breasts of corruption, selfishness and wickedness, our vessel shall yet sail again, and the wealth of nations shall be transferred to us. If our leaders shall in truth and in deeds decide to be ‘faithful, loyal, and honest’ and sincere for the next twenty years, this nation would as Godzilla, emerge as a giant from the Sea.

Truth be told, Nigeria sinks, not just, because the leaders want it to, but also because the followers are also digging holes on its side. Where lawlessness is celebrated as smartness, and shortcuts become our means to an end, the end is always bitter. If most Nigerians decide and become law abiding for the next twenty years, corruption, insecurity, and underdevelopment would become history; and we all would be the better for it. Often, Nigerians have become conduits of sabotage to their fatherland. Those who steal the crude oil engage in illegal mining and clandestine importation of our natural resources are Nigerians. We harbor indigenes of other nations in our homes, feed them, and give them information to terrorise fellow citizens, abduct, and kill our brothers. We fan the embers of religious wars, proclaim ethnic bigotries, and relish in the wanton destruction of government and community properties. As long as we sabotage and lampoon all government’s effort at transforming this nation, we and generations after us, would be worse for it.

Overall, truth is the basic ingredient lacking in Nigeria. Our ship is sinking, because we have exalted and glorified falsehoods in all facets of life. If we have to prevent the water of strife from getting in and sink the ship called Nigeria, we have to speak the truth with our neighbours. If all in Nigeria, would face their jobs and do it excellently well in truth, Nigeria would heal, our gates would be opened, and many willing slaves in foreign lands, would return with their remittances to build this nation into an enviable destination for all races. We can do it. I believe that the potentials of Nigeria are massive enough to make a paradise out of this present slum.

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