society
Nigeria at the Crossroads: History, Memory and the Choice to Rise
Nigeria at the Crossroads: History, Memory and the Choice to Rise.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
We stand at the junction of repetition and reform; the past is calling and the future waits for no one.
Nigeria’s story is a tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, of heroes remembered and forgotten, of lessons ignored and repeated. From the sacrifices of early nationalists to the failures of successive governments, history has been both a guide and a warning. Yet today, the nation teeters on the edge, caught between the chains of the past and the promise of a new dawn. The question is simple, but urgent: will Nigeria rise, or will it continue its cycle of self-inflicted crises?
As the historian John Henrik Clarke observed: “A people without knowledge of their past cannot chart a course for their future.” Nigeria’s present is evidence enough that ignorance of history has been costly. But knowledge, properly applied, offers redemption.
Lessons from the Forgotten Heroes.
The builders of Nigeria; Herbert Macaulay, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Michael Imoudu, Anthony Enahoro, Margaret Ekpo and countless others, did not toil for a fleeting generation. They labored for citizenship, civic duty and national cohesion. Remembering them is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is a strategy for national survival.
Their struggles illuminate critical truths: leadership requires sacrifice, governance demands integrity and progress is contingent upon vigilance. Forgetting their contributions allows mediocrity and corruption to flourish unchecked.
From Coup to Crisis: Repetition as Warning.
Nigeria’s military and civilian history demonstrates that ignorance of past failures is disastrous. Coups, mismanaged elections and corruption are not random misfortunes; they are predictable outcomes when lessons of history are ignored. From 1966 to the Fourth Republic, the same patterns repeat: crisis follows complacency and leadership is judged by rhetoric, not results.
As Chinua Achebe rightly stated: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Yet leadership is shaped by citizens who remember, question and demand accountability. Without memory, citizens empower the very failures that haunt them.
Tribalism: The Oldest Wound.
No series of reforms or heroic efforts can succeed if tribalism remains unchecked. Ethnic favoritism and religious polarization have undermined nation-building for decades. From post-independence coups to modern elections, tribal loyalty has repeatedly eclipsed national interest.
Wole Soyinka warned: “When you start to think in terms of tribe rather than humanity, you have abandoned reason for instinct and instinct is often deadly.” Nigeria must choose reason over instinct, unity over division and national identity over narrow loyalty.
Democracy or Deception?
Elections are the ultimate test of Nigeria’s ability to learn from the past. But without historical literacy, democracy becomes ceremonial. Vote-buying, electoral violence and manipulation exploit collective forgetfulness. To protect the future, citizens must demand transparent systems, merit-based leadership and informed participation.
As political scientist Claude Ake observed: “Democracy in Africa is often democracy in name; citizens frequently experience only the ceremonial aspects of the system.” The remedy is memory; remembering past betrayals empowers voters to demand accountability.
Memory as Nigeria’s Weapon.
Memory is not a passive act; it is a tool, a weapon and a safeguard. Nations worldwide (Germany, South Africa, Rwanda) have shown that deliberate remembrance prevents repetition, fosters accountability and strengthens institutions. Nigeria must weaponize memory:
Teach History Fully: From primary school to universities, comprehensive lessons on independence, civil wars, coups and heroes are essential.
Institutionalize Commemoration: Monuments, memorial days and national archives make history visible and impactful.
Engage Media: Documentaries, podcasts and investigative journalism transform abstract memory into public awareness.
Civic Empowerment: Citizens who know their history demand accountability, resist manipulation and uphold national interest.
Memory converts tragedy into foresight, fear into courage and despair into action.
The Choice Ahead.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. One path leads to repetition; more corruption, violence and division. The other leads to reform; unity, accountability and progress. The difference is knowledge and courage.
Nationalist scholar Chinua Achebe once noted: “The history of a people is never written in isolation; it is written in the living memory of those who remember and act.” Nigeria’s future depends on citizens willing to learn, remember and insist that past sacrifices were not in vain.
The crossroads is not abstract. It is in every election, every civic engagement, every policy debate and every classroom. Each Nigerian must decide: will we allow history to repeat itself or will we honor memory by choosing wisely, demanding competence and rising above tribalism?
Final Thought: Rise or Repeat.
Nigeria is both a cautionary tale and a land of opportunity. Its challenges are formidable, but they are not insurmountable. The nation has known unity, courage and visionary leadership and it can again. But only if memory guides action, history informs decisions and citizens reclaim their role as custodians of the future.
The choice is ours. Ignore history and Nigeria will stumble once more. Remember it, and Nigeria can rise; strong, united and unstoppable.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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