society
I Better Pass My Neighbour: The Toxic Superiority Complex Destroying the Nigerian Social Fabric
I Better Pass My Neighbour: The Toxic Superiority Complex Destroying the Nigerian Social Fabric.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In Nigeria, the societal obsession with “I better pass my neighbour” is no longer just a joke tied to a noisy portable generator. It has become a deeply entrenched cultural mindset, festering across economic classes and bleeding into every corner of our interactions. From the university campus to the corridors of political power and even in the dusty streets of Ajegunle or the polished parlours of Ikoyi, this mentality thrives; silently yet destructively.
The average Nigerian isn’t interested in community progress as much as they are obsessed with individual advancement; not for survival, but for status. Status, in this context, doesn’t mean achievement through merit; it means appearing to be doing better than the next man. In a country where poverty, unemployment and insecurity are rife, many Nigerians have resorted to comparison as a means of self-validation. And what’s more tragic? This mindset has become generational.
A Society Obsessed with Appearances, Not Substance
The infamous phrase “I better pass my neighbour,” associated with a low-cost power generator, wasn’t just a brand gimmick; it was a mirror of Nigerian society. We laugh at it, but its popularity reflects the larger societal mindset: as long as I’m better off than you, I’m winning. No concern for collective good. No solidarity. No empathy. Just one goal ~ to appear more successful, even if it means going into debt, lying or oppressing others.
A few months ago, shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, a popular slogan emerged from many Nigerians: “ _This government will favour me and my family_.” That single statement, echoed in countless WhatsApp groups and street corners, revealed a chilling truth: _we no longer care about national good; all that matters is personal gain._
How can a country grow when its citizens only think in terms of “ _me and mine_”? How do we demand accountability when the average voter supports looters simply because they belong to the same tribe, party or religion?
Classism in Everyday Life
Let’s not deceive ourselves; Nigerians are deeply classist. We respect people based on their financial worth or material possessions. You can be wise, moral or kind, but in Nigeria, if you don’t drive a flashy car or have a prestigious job title, YOU’RE NOT RESPECTED. This toxic culture plays out in the smallest things, like when someone insists on walking you to the gate after a visit. Not out of hospitality, but to PEEP at your CAR and MEASURE your STATUS.
A wealthy man gets away with fraud and we say, “ _At least he helps people_.” A poor man commits the same crime, and he’s crucified. HYPOCRISY wears a Nigerian jersey.
Even among peers, standards are selectively enforced. A person from a lower socio-economic background is mocked for speaking poor English or dressing modestly. But if the same mistake is made by a rich person or someone of similar social standing, we look the other way.
The Uber Example: Misplaced Arrogance
Consider a 25-year-old lady, fresh out of NYSC, who hasn’t held a proper job, yet she sits in an Uber and speaks down at the driver like he’s trash. Why? Because society has taught her that being a passenger puts her above the driver (never mind that he’s probably more hardworking and better educated. In another setting, where social roles are reversed, say she’s on foot and he’s in a private car) she would suddenly find her manners.
As Chinua Achebe once said, ” _The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership._” But one might add, it’s also a failure of character, widespread across the citizenry. Leadership doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it reflects the people. The leader is often the loudest echo of the society that produced him.
Cultural Hypocrisy and the Nigerian Middle Class
The middle class (supposedly the moral compass of any democratic society) is no better. Rather than pushing for reforms, they engage in ostentatious displays of wealth, from social media brags to naming their kids after luxury cars. They rent expensive outfits for weddings, borrow money to fund birthdays and are obsessed with outshining their friends. Conversations in many Nigerian homes are filled with phrases like:
_“My friend just bought a Benz.”_
_“Why is your cousin still living in that area?”_
_“We can’t send our kids to that school; it’s for poor people.”_
Meanwhile, these same individuals will remain silent on governance failures, injustice or even inflation as long as they can still afford _SUYA,_ _DSTV_ and _WEEKEND DRINKS._
A Nation Divided by Petty Competition
This unhealthy rivalry isn’t limited to the elite or the educated. From the mechanic in Ibadan to the petty trader in Aba, everyone is competing, often against invisible enemies. Instead of lifting one another, we ridicule. Instead of mentoring, we mock. Nigerians build fences taller than their houses not just for security, but to hide what’s going on inside. It’s not just about being safe, it’s about being mysterious and envied.
According to a report by the World Inequality Database, Nigeria is one of the most unequal societies on earth, with the top 1% earning disproportionately more than the bottom 50%. Yet, even within the bottom 50%, the quest to “ _APPEAR BETTER_ ” persists, a sign that our value system is not just broken but dangerously inverted.
How Did We Get Here?
Post-colonial Nigeria inherited a distorted social structure, but what we’ve done with it is far worse. Decades of bad governance, corruption and social instability have made many Nigerians see survival as a game of one-upmanship. The social contract has broken down. Nobody trusts the system, so everyone looks out for themselves, even at the expense of others.
As Fela Kuti famously sang, “ _Suffer, suffer for world… enjoyment for heaven_!” Nigerians have been told to endure, aspire and dream (but the dreams are no longer about dignity or justice. They’re about owning iPhones, buying plots in Banana Island and being invited to exclusive weddings. The average man no longer dreams of a better Nigeria) he dreams of escaping it or at least looking like he already has.
The Way Forward: Reorienting Our Value System
It’s time we had difficult conversations. WHAT KIND OF SOCIETY DO WE WANT TO BUILD? DO WE WANT A NIGERIA WHERE SELF-WORTH IS MEASURED BY HOW MANY PEOPLE WE’RE BETTER THAN, OR ONE WHERE WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP?
As former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan once said, “ _If you don’t value education, you will be ruled by ignorance._” Similarly, if we don’t value humility, empathy and collective progress, we will continue to be ruled by greed, classism and moral emptiness.
This is a call for social introspection. Let’s teach our children that drivers, cleaners and artisans are not beneath them. Let’s celebrate hard work over handouts, values over valuables. Let’s walk each other to the gate not to assess, but to appreciate. Let us normalize treating everyone with dignity not because of what they own, but because they are human.
Until then, _“I better pass my neighbour”_ will remain more than a noisy generator. It will continue to be the anthem of a decaying society.
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
For inquiries, feedback, or republishing rights, contact [email protected]
FRSC@ 38: SHEHU MOHAMMED STEERING NIGERIA’S ROAD SAFETY REVOLUTION TO GREATER HEIGHTS
By Deputy Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem (Rtd) fsi, MNIM, anipr
When Mallam Shehu Mohammed assumed leadership as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), he inherited not just an institution with history, but a national mandate that touches every family, every highway, and every community in Nigeria. At 38 years, the Corps stands tall as Africa’s model road safety agency, and under his stewardship, that legacy is not merely preserved, it is being boldly redefined.
Nigeria’s highways were once synonymous with fear. Before 1988, the World Health Organisation ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous countries in the world to drive. It was a troubling indictment that demanded courage and clarity of purpose. The establishment of the FRSC under Decree No. 45 of 1988 laid the foundation for reform. But sustaining and advancing that reform across decades requires visionary leadership, the kind now exemplified by Mallam Shehu Mohammed.
Today, under his command, the Corps is consolidating its position as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient law enforcement institutions in Nigeria. With renewed strategic focus, the present leadership has deepened the Safe Systems Approach built on people, processes, and technology, ensuring that safety interventions are not reactive, but preventive and intelligence-driven.
One of the defining hallmarks of his administration is accelerated digital transformation. Within six months, over 3,000 personnel were trained to strengthen operational competence and technological adaptability. More than 95 per cent of the Corps’ administrative and operational processes are automated, supported by over 30 web-based applications that enhance traffic governance nationwide. From the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to the upgraded e-ticketing platform, innovation is no longer optional; it is institutional culture.
Emergency response under the current Corps Marshal has become faster and more coordinated, with nationwide response time reduced dramatically from 50 minutes to 15 minutes. The 122 toll-free emergency line and 24-hour National Call Centre continue to serve as lifelines for distressed road users, reflecting a leadership that understands that every second counts.
Strategic stakeholder engagement has equally flourished. Safe corridor initiatives have been strengthened, collaboration with transport unions intensified, and enforcement around articulated vehicles tightened. The result is a significant reduction in tanker-related crashes, a development that speaks to deliberate policy direction and disciplined implementation.
Under Mallam Shehu Mohammed’s leadership, data has become a central pillar of enforcement and planning. Through strengthened collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Corps has advanced harmonized data systems that support evidence-based interventions. Transparent weekly crash trend reporting now guides targeted deployment and corrective strategies.
Nigeria’s standing on the global stage has also been reinforced. The country remains an active participant in the renewed UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) and continues alignment with international road safety conventions. These achievements build on the solid foundation laid by past leaders from Olu Agunloye and General Haladu Hannaniya to Chief Osita Chidoka, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Dauda Ali Biu, but under the present Corps Marshal, the momentum has unmistakably intensified.
Operationally, the Corps’ footprint now spans 12 Zonal Commands, 37 Sector Commands, over 300 Unit Commands, over 700 Station Offices, 59 Zebra Emergency Ambulance Points, and presence in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. Yet beyond physical structures lies a stronger institutional spirit, one driven by discipline, professionalism, and accountability.
From a nation once ranked among the most unsafe for motorists to a continental pacesetter in road safety management, Nigeria’s transformation story is inseparable from the strength of its leadership. At 38 years, FRSC is not simply celebrating longevity; it is celebrating purposeful stewardship.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed represents a generation of reform-minded leadership committed to smarter mobility systems, data-driven enforcement, and people-centered safety administration.
His tenure reflects continuity with courage sustaining the Corps’ proud legacy while boldly steering it toward greater innovation and measurable impact.
The road ahead is demanding. But under his steady command, Nigeria’s highways are safer, its systems smarter, and its future brighter.
Fashion/Lifestyle
Introducing “Atupaglowco” : Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Introducing “Atupaglowco”: Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Every great journey begins with a sense of anticipation. For us, it began with a simple belief that a space should do more than exist, it should speak comfort and glow.
In a world filled with noise, stress, and endless motion, we realized something powerful. Fragrance can transform not just rooms, but moods. A familiar scent can calm anxiety. A warm aroma can turn a house into a home. A gentle glow can bring peace after a long day. This realization gave birth to “Atupaglowco.”
Atupaglowco was not created to sell diffusers, room sprays, or candles. It was created to create experiences. To create moments. To create atmospheres where people can breathe, reflect, and feel whole again.
The name itself represents more than a brand. It represents warmth. It represents light. It represents presence. We remember the early days, the planning, the testing of scents, the moments of doubt, and the moments of excitement. Each candle poured was a step of faith. Each fragrance blended was a piece of our vision coming to life. We weren’t just building products; we were building something meaningful.
Our diffusers were designed to quietly fill spaces with elegance.
Our room sprays were crafted to instantly refresh and revive environments. Our candles were made to bring calm, beauty, and a soft glow into everyday life.
Atupaglowco was born from passion, patience, and purpose. This launch is not just the start of a business. It is the start of a movement to help people create spaces they love. Spaces that inspire rest. Spaces that inspire joy. Spaces that glow.
We believe fragrance is personal. We believe glow is emotional. We believe every space deserves both.
Today, we proudly introduce Atupaglowco to the world.
This is only the beginning.
Ajadi Hails Oyo Speaker Ogundoyin at 39, Describes Him as Beacon of Purposeful Leadership
A leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on the occasion of his 39th birthday, describing him as “a symbol of resilience, maturity and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Ajadi praised Ogundoyin’s steady rise in public service, noting that his emergence as Speaker at a relatively young age reflects the possibilities of responsible youth leadership when combined with discipline, vision and service.
“Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s leadership has shown that age is not a barrier to excellence,” Ajadi said. “At 39, he stands tall as one of the most impactful Speakers in Oyo State’s history—calm, inclusive and deeply committed to democratic ideals.”
Ogundoyin, who represents Ibarapa East State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, has served as Speaker since 2019 and was re-elected to lead the 10th Assembly in June 2023. His tenure has been marked by legislative stability, improved executive–legislative relations and youth-inclusive governance.
Ajadi commended the Speaker for fostering unity within the Assembly and prioritising laws that strengthen grassroots development across Oyo State. “His humility, accessibility and focus on people-oriented legislation have earned him respect beyond party lines,” he said. “He exemplifies the kind of leadership Oyo State needs—one anchored on service, accountability and progress.”
The governorship aspirant further described Ogundoyin as a rallying point for young Nigerians aspiring to public office. “In a country searching for credible leaders, Ogundoyin’s story offers hope,” Ajadi added. “He has shown that when young leaders are trusted with responsibility, they can deliver stability and results.”
Ajadi wished the Speaker many more years of good health, wisdom and greater service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large, praying that his leadership journey continues to inspire a new generation of public servants.
Ogundoyin, one of the youngest Speakers in Nigeria, has continued to attract goodwill messages from political leaders, civil society actors and constituents, as Oyo State marks another year in the life of a lawmaker widely regarded as a steady hand in the state’s legislative affairs.
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