society

There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria’s Lost Promise

Published

11 months ago

April 18, 2025

Sahara Weekly

There Was a Country: Chinua Achebe’s Testament of Nigeria’s Lost Promise

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

When Chinua Achebe published There Was a Country in 2012, he did more than write a memoir of the Biafran War. He issued a damning verdict on Nigeria’s descent from promise to peril—a once-hopeful post-colonial state now defined by corruption, ethnic strife, impunity, and the persistent betrayal of its founding ideals. Through a blend of personal recollections, literary reflections, and searing political critique, Achebe chronicled the tragedy of a nation that lost its soul to tribalism, mediocrity, and greed. More than a personal account, his work is a national epitaph and a warning that remains as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.

Achebe begins by reminiscing on Nigeria’s early days, when a generation of dreamers imagined a country that could stand tall among nations. As a young man, he had every reason to be optimistic. Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was greeted with joy and international acclaim. The country was rich in human and natural resources, boasting an educated elite, a vibrant press, and a federal constitution that promised unity in diversity. But Achebe, ever the realist, understood that these were fragile gains. The cracks were already visible in the foundation.

The seeds of Nigeria’s unraveling were planted by colonial rule and hastened by post-independence mismanagement. The British had left behind a deeply divided society: a North shaped by indirect rule and Islamic conservatism; a Western region dominated by Yoruba culture and political sophistication; and an Eastern region led by an industrious, commercially successful Igbo elite. This artificial federation, created for imperial convenience, lacked a cohesive national identity.

Achebe’s Igbo heritage played a central role in There Was a Country. The book reflects the trauma of the Biafran War (1967–1970), during which the Eastern Region attempted to secede from Nigeria following pogroms against the Igbo in the North. Achebe writes of the horror of starvation, the bombing of civilian targets, and the silence of the international community. Over two million people—mostly children—died in the conflict. Achebe, who served as a Biafran diplomat, watched with sorrow as his country turned on its own, driven by what he described as a “failure of leadership.”

Perhaps no phrase in There Was a Country is more enduring than Achebe’s declaration: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” He argues that the post-independence generation of politicians, many of whom were products of missionary schools and early nationalist movements, quickly abandoned the principles of service and justice. Instead, they embraced tribalism, nepotism, and opportunism. Merit was sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity, and elections became contests of identity, not ideology.

Achebe’s indictment of successive Nigerian governments is unrelenting. He condemns the military coups of 1966 and 1983, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief Moshood Abiola, and the rise of what he called “an ignoble class of millionaires who are neither industrialists nor farmers nor professionals.” He viewed Nigeria’s oil wealth not as a blessing, but as a curse—a source of unimaginable corruption that enriched a few while deepening the poverty of the many.

The relevance of There Was a Country in contemporary Nigeria is sobering. Over a decade since its publication, the problems Achebe decried have only worsened. The country is still grappling with insecurity—terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, secessionist agitations in the South-East, and kidnapping-for-ransom across the country. Nigeria remains among the top 10 countries with the highest number of out-of-school children. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2023), over 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, while youth unemployment hovers around 40%.

Corruption remains endemic. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (2024) ranked Nigeria 145th out of 180 countries, reflecting a lack of progress in tackling systemic graft. Public infrastructure has decayed. The power sector still generates less than 5,000 megawatts for over 200 million people. Universities frequently shut down due to strikes, and the health sector has been hollowed out by the exodus of professionals. The Nigerian dream, once luminous, now flickers dimly.

Achebe’s reflections on the civil war also serve as a warning about the dangers of unresolved ethnic tensions. Nigeria has never fully reconciled with its Biafran past. History was removed from school curricula for decades, and official narratives often ignore the suffering of Eastern Nigerians. As Achebe wrote, “A people without knowledge of their history are like a tree without roots.” Today’s South-East youths, many of whom feel excluded from national politics, are increasingly attracted to separatist movements, echoing the unhealed wounds Achebe documented.

Internationally, Nigeria’s image has suffered. Once hailed as the “Giant of Africa,” it now battles negative headlines—ranging from cybercrime to human trafficking. The failure to project soft power, coupled with diplomatic missteps and internal instability, has eroded its regional leadership. Achebe warned of this decline, noting that a country that cannot manage its diversity, reward merit, or provide security, risks becoming irrelevant on the global stage.

Yet, There Was a Country is not a book of despair. Achebe believed in the possibility of redemption. He admired young Nigerians who defied the odds, who built businesses, won scholarships, and used the arts to challenge injustice. He called for a return to core values—honesty, empathy, accountability, and service. For Achebe, the soul of Nigeria could still be reclaimed, but only through courageous and ethical leadership.

His call is more urgent now than ever. As Nigeria prepares for the next round of elections in 2027, Achebe’s words should guide both leaders and voters. The nation must abandon the politics of tribe, money, and manipulation. It must invest in education, rebuild its institutions, and reward competence. Most importantly, it must tell the truth about its past so it can chart an honest course for the future.

Achebe’s legacy is a challenge to all Nigerians—to remember that there was a country, full of promise and possibility. The question is whether there still is, and if so, what must be done to save it. He wrote not as a cynic, but as a patriot who loved his country enough to tell it the truth. As he once said, “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” In a world of compromised ideals and broken promises, Achebe’s voice remains a clarion call to conscience.

society

Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor

Published

4 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Dishonouring Fathers Pollutes Your Source and Limits Destiny — Dr. Chris Okafor

“A father’s blessing is tied to your breakthrough and can change life’s patterns.”

Dishonouring one’s father—whether biological or spiritual—can disrupt the source of a person’s blessings and hinder progress in life. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, honouring one’s father is a spiritual principle that preserves destiny and unlocks divine favour.

Dr. Okafor made this statement during the Sunday Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held on March 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

The Power of a Father’s Blessing

In his teaching, the cleric described a father as a spiritual source.
According to him, when individuals respect and honour their source, they create a pathway for blessings, stability, and the fulfillment of their inheritance in life.

“One of the most dangerous practices for a believer is dishonouring a father,” he said.

“When the source is honoured, life flows well and destiny is preserved.”

He warned that when a father releases a negative declaration, it can become difficult for a person to experience lasting success, regardless of their level of hard work or skill.

“You may be hardworking,” he noted, “but if the source is polluted, progress can become difficult.”
Patterns Passed Through Families
Continuing his sermon in the series “Patterns – Part 2,” Dr. Okafor explained that many individuals struggle with recurring challenges within their families.

He suggested that hostility, blackmail, or disrespect toward authority figures may sometimes reflect deeper unresolved patterns within family lineages.

According to him, such patterns can affect a person’s progress until they are consciously addressed.

Breaking Negative Patterns

The preacher emphasized that the blessing of a father can interrupt negative family cycles.

Regardless of the patterns affecting a family, he said, a sincere blessing from a father figure has the spiritual authority to shift circumstances and open new paths for success.

He further advised believers to live responsibly, follow divine instructions, and remain prayerful.
“When you honour your fathers and walk in obedience,” he said, “God releases guidance and answers prayers speedily.”

Service Announcement

Meanwhile, Grace Nation Worldwide has announced that its annual flagship family liberation conference, “Harvest of Babies 2026,” will hold in the last week of March at the church’s international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

According to church officials, the conference is designed for couples and individuals trusting God for the fruit of the womb. The event is expected to attract participants from different parts of the world seeking spiritual support and prayer for miracle children.

Dr. Okafor encouraged expectant parents and families believing for children to participate in the prophetic gathering, expressing faith that God will bring transformation and testimonies to many lives.

society

ADC Unveils Opposition Strategy as Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Move to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

Published

14 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADC Unveils Opposition Strategy as Obi, Atiku, Amaechi Move to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

“Opposition heavyweights explore coalition strategy under the African Democratic Congress as political analysts debate whether a united front can realistically challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”

Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi are working together under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a coordinated political effort aimed at defeating Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, according to party insiders who revealed the strategy in Abuja in March 2026.

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The ADC leadership disclosed that the three prominent political figures (each of whom commands significant national followership) are currently holding consultations, building a broad opposition coalition, and harmonising political structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The objective, according to the party, is to create a unified opposition front capable of challenging the electoral dominance of the APC, which has controlled Nigeria’s presidency since 2015.

Party officials said the collaboration represents a deliberate attempt to replicate the successful coalition strategy that defeated the then-ruling party in 2015, when several opposition blocs merged to form the APC and ultimately removed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after sixteen years. Analysts say the ADC coalition hopes to reverse that historical pattern by bringing together major opposition figures under a single political platform before the 2027 elections.

According to political insiders, the discussions among Obi, Atiku and Amaechi revolve around three key pillars: coalition building, electoral strategy, and national policy alternatives designed to appeal to voters dissatisfied with Nigeria’s economic direction and governance challenges. The ADC reportedly believes that combining Obi’s youth-driven support base, Atiku’s political networks across northern Nigeria, and Amaechi’s organisational influence within the political establishment could create a formidable opposition alliance.

Political scientist Prof. Pat Utomi argued that coalition politics may be the only realistic path for opposition forces seeking to defeat an incumbent government in Nigeria. According to him, “Opposition fragmentation has always been the ruling party’s greatest advantage. A coalition changes the arithmetic of Nigerian politics.”

Similarly, constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) observed that the emerging alliance reflects a broader democratic pattern. “In many democracies, opposition parties must cooperate to challenge incumbents effectively. What matters is whether such cooperation produces credible alternatives for voters,” Falana said in a recent public lecture on electoral reform.

However, not all analysts believe the coalition will automatically translate into electoral victory. Political commentator Dr. Jide Ojo noted that Nigeria’s electoral politics is shaped by regional balancing, party structures, and grassroots mobilisation, factors that may complicate the opposition’s strategy. “Coalitions are powerful, but they only work when ideological differences are managed and when leadership ambitions are carefully negotiated,” he explained.

The question of who will eventually emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate remains one of the most sensitive issues. Both Obi and Atiku previously contested the presidency in the 2023 election, while Amaechi (former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation) also ran in the APC presidential primaries that produced Tinubu as candidate. Negotiations over the presidential ticket are therefore expected to become a central issue as coalition talks progress.

Political historian Dr. Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, believes the coalition’s success will depend on whether it can present a clear national vision rather than merely an anti-Tinubu agenda. According to him, “Nigerians are not only interested in defeating incumbents; they want to know what comes after. A coalition must offer policy credibility.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling APC dismiss the coalition as politically exaggerated. Some party leaders argue that the opposition alliance lacks cohesion and may eventually collapse under internal rivalry. They maintain that President Tinubu still commands strong political structures nationwide and remains well-positioned ahead of the 2027 race.

Despite the skepticism, the emerging ADC coalition has already intensified political discussions across the country. For many observers, the alliance represents the first serious attempt to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape since the 2023 general election.

Whether the collaboration between Obi, Atiku and Amaechi will ultimately succeed in unseating Tinubu remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency has quietly begun, with coalition politics once again emerging as a decisive factor in the nation’s democratic trajectory..

society

UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2026

Sahara Weekly

*UNIPGC AFRICA Seals Strategic Partnership with Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation for Capacity Building Initiatives Spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Kenya

In a significant step toward strengthening sustainable development and leadership capacity across Africa, *UNIPGC AFRICA* has officially sealed a strategic partnership with *Greenvillage Empowerment Foundation (GVEF)* to implement impactful capacity-building projects. The initiative is spearheaded by the Governor of Tana River County, Republic of Kenya.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a *Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)* by key representatives of both organizations. Signatories to the agreement include *H.E. Amb. Jonathan Ojadah*, Global President of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC); *Amb. Jase Carlos Sousa,* Member of the UNIPGC Supreme Council; and *H.E. Maj. (Rtd.) Dr. Dhadho Godhana*, Executive Governor of Tana River County.

The MoU establishes a robust framework of cooperation between *UNIPGC* and *GVEF* reflecting a shared vision and strong alignment of values in promoting sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance across Africa.

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate on a wide range of development initiatives, including the promotion of *democracy and good governance*, *climate change education and environmental sustainability*, *health promotion through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Youth capacity building through Robust Film Production Ecosystem, sports development and gender equality and empowerment of marginalized communities*.

The partnership will also actively support and advance the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)*.

As part of the collaboration, UNIPGC and GVEF have committed to establishing effective channels for joint action through the design and implementation of programs and projects that address shared development priorities. These initiatives will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, promoting inclusive participation in governance, and enhancing community-based development efforts.

Furthermore, the partnership will encourage mutual institutional support, enabling both organizations to provide *technical expertise, strategic guidance, and moral support* toward the successful implementation of their initiatives.

This landmark collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing cross-sector partnerships aimed at fostering *sustainable development, social inclusion, and transformational leadership across Africa*, while reinforcing the collective commitment of both organizations to achieving the *United Nations Sustainable Development Goals*