society
Nigeria Didn’t Happen to Us. We Happened to Nigeria. By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria Didn’t Happen to Us. We Happened to Nigeria.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“A Brutally Honest Monologue and an Even Harder Truth: Our Nation’s Struggles Are Self‑Inflicted Unless We Change Ourselves First.”
Nigeria is not a NATURAL ACCIDENT. It is not a HAPLESS INHERITANCE. It is not a CRUMBLING STRUCTURE that simply happened to us. The truth (UNCOMFORTABLE, UNFLINCHING and MERCILESS) is this: Nigeria did not just happen. We happened to Nigeria. This is not a feel‑good slogan; it is a mirror held up to our collective face.
This powerful monologue, recently captured in the viral video “Nigeria Did not Happen to Us; We Happened to Nigeria”, is a SHARP, SATIRICAL and CANDID INDICTMENT of the Nigerian condition, delivered in the spirit of brutal honesty that the nation sorely needs. It forces us to confront a core question: ARE WE VICTIMS OF NIGERIA’S FAILURES, OR HAVE WE BECOME CONTRIBUTORS TO THEM?
As Nigerians, we must understand both the external foundations of this nation and the internal contradictions we have allowed to fester for decades.
The Myth of Nigeria’s Accidental Nationhood.
Nigeria’s origins are COLONIAL not ORGANIC.
In 1914, British colonial authorities amalgamated the disparate Northern and Southern protectorates (regions culturally, linguistically, economically and religiously distinct) into one colony called Nigeria. This union was motivated by convenience for colonial administration, not by any existing sense of shared identity among Nigerians.
One respected historian put it bluntly:
“Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression.” Chief Obafemi Awolowo, 1947 (paraphrased by scholars describing his position).
Even prominent nationalist leaders were skeptical about Nigeria’s prospects. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa observed that more than a century after the amalgamation, many groups had little in common and did not “show themselves any signs of willingness to unite.”
This is critical context. Nigeria’s foundation was never one of shared identity or mutual purpose; it was political convenience cemented over fault lines of ethnicity, religion and regional disparities. Yet, instead of overcoming these differences, we have often exploited them.
Beyond Colonialism: Internal Failures We Must Own.
It is one thing to acknowledge that Nigeria was born of colonial imposition. It is another to ignore how we have shaped her destiny since independence.
Leadership Failure. Chinua Achebe (one of Nigeria’s greatest voices) wrote in his seminal essay The Trouble with Nigeria:
“The problem with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. Nigerians are what they are because their leaders have not been what they should be.”
This assessment remains painfully true. Leadership failures have pervaded our governance, from military rule to civilian administrations. Leaders who lack vision, commitment, integrity and or accountability have allowed corruption to become normalized and PUBLIC SERVICE to become SELF‑SERVICE. Their conduct entrenches distrust, weakens institutions and erodes citizens faith in progress.
Leadership Is not the Only Problem; We Are Too.
The monologue itself cuts deeper: it argues that Nigerians often project responsibility outward (blaming the country) instead of looking inward at our collective choices and behaviors.
Consider the Nigerian voting public. For too long, electoral choices have been driven by ethnicity, religion, patronage or patron‑client loyalty rather than merit, service records or competence. When citizens consistently elect leaders who perpetuate corruption, insecurity and economic mismanagement, that is not NIGERIA HAPPENING TO US; THAT IS NIGERIA HAPPENING BECAUSE OF US.
Corruption and Impunity. Corruption (the manipulation of public resources for private gain) is one of the most pervasive problems in Nigeria. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and local audits have repeatedly shown Nigeria’s struggle with corruption across public institutions. When corruption becomes normalised, citizens lose trust in governance and the state’s capacity to deliver basic services collapses. This is not an abstract concept; it is a lived reality for millions.
Poverty, Inequality and Underdevelopment Are Symptoms, Not the Disease.
According to the World Bank and independent analysts, more than half of Nigeria’s population lives in POVERTY, with SEVERE INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICITS, POOR EDUCATION, LIMITED HEALTHCARE ACCESS and an ELECTRICITY CRISIS that leaves millions without RELIABLE POWER.
These are not natural disasters. They are structural failures and failures of policy, priorities, investment and long‑term national planning.
For example:
Electricity generation remains weak compared to other African nations. Nigeria’s peak electricity generation often fluctuates between 5,500 and 6,000 MW, a fraction of what is needed for sustained industrial growth.
Education gaps leave millions of school‑aged children without basic education, undermining human capital development.
Poverty persists alongside massive resource wealth, highlighting a disconnect between potential and reality.
These challenges do not mean NIGERIA is INHERENTLY DOOMED. They mean that poor governance, weak institutions and a LACK OF STRUCTURAL REFORMS have BLOCKED our PATH to PROSPERITY.
Nationhood Is Still a Work in Progress.
Decades after independence and a civil war that sought to defend national unity, Nigeria continues to grapple with the concept of nationhood.
Scholars note that Nigeria’s pluralistic society (over 250 ethnic groups with diverse languages and belief systems) makes forging a cohesive national identity extremely complex.
National identity is not automatic. It is built through shared purpose, inclusive governance, equitable resource distribution and recognition of diversity within unity.
Yet, too often Nigerians fall back on narrow identities (TRIBE, RELIGION, REGION) rather than seeing themselves first as NIGERIANS.
True nationhood demands that we recognize our differences but refuse to let them divide us.
The Narrative of Blame Must Change.
There is a popular expression among Nigerians: “MAY NIGERIA NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU.” It is a curse, born out of frustration and despair. Yet experts argue this narrative is counterproductive.
Taiwo Oyedele, then Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, called it “UNPATRIOTIC” and suggested instead: “MAY NIGERIA WORK FOR ME.” His point is clear: citizens must shift from fatalism to constructive engagement.
This shift requires rejecting narratives that externalize responsibility. If we truly believe Nigeria “HAPPENED TO US,” then we resign ourselves to victimhood. But if we admit that we shaped Nigeria with our votes, actions and apathy, then we acknowledge that we also have the power to rebuild it.
A Call to Conscious Patriotism.
The video monologue does not end in defeat; it is a call for accountability; both from leaders and citizens. This is not cynicism. This is patriotism disguised as harsh truth.
The future of Nigeria lies not in wishful thinking, not in optimism alone and not in blaming past wrongs. It lies in self‑reflection, collective responsibility and national renewal.
“Every country has the government it deserves.” according to Joseph de Maistre
This timeless aphorism is relevant to Nigeria today. When citizens elect leaders who fail to provide security, economic opportunity and dignity, then they must ask themselves why such leaders were chosen in the first place.
The Bigger Picture: Reclaiming Nigeria’s Destiny.
Nigeria did not simply happen to us. We (through our CHOICES, our COMPLACENCY, our SILENCE and at times our COMPLICITY) happened to Nigeria.
This truth is not a condemnation without hope. It is an invitation to engage and to participate in nation‑building as citizens who hold leaders accountable, embrace unity in diversity and demand governance that uplifts every Nigerian.
A nation is not an accident. It is an ongoing project and that of IDEOLOGY, POLICY, CULTURE and COURAGE.
Nigeria’s story is unfinished. And because it is unfinished, it can be REWRITTEN, but only if we stop seeing ourselves as victims and start seeing ourselves as architects of our common future.
— Published by saharaweeklyng.com
Temitope Adewale: Heralding New Era of Infrastructure Development in Ifako-Ijaiye
Residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area are witnessing a new phase of infrastructural transformation as key transportation projects begin to reshape mobility and economic activity within the constituency. At the heart of this development is the ongoing rehabilitation and resurfacing of Iju Road, alongside the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) along the Iju–Agege-Abule-Egba transport route.
The projects represent a strategic step toward improving road infrastructure, strengthening public transport systems, and enhancing connectivity across several communities within the local government area; this is a total shift from the norm previously known.
For decades, Iju Road has served as one of the most important road networks connecting Iju-Ishaga, Abule-Egba, Agege, Agbado and adjoining communities leading to neighbouring Ogun State. The road plays a crucial role in the daily movement of residents, goods, commercial operators, and commuters traveling to other parts of Lagos.
However, years of heavy usage and increasing population growth placed significant pressure on the road infrastructure, making rehabilitation necessary. The ongoing project focuses on total resurfacing of the entire stretch of the road, strengthening its structure, and improving drainage to ensure long-term durability.
Beyond restoring the road surface, the rehabilitation effort is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, and enhance the overall commuting experience for thousands of residents who depend on the route daily.
In addition to the road project is the introduction of the Quality Bus Corridor initiative along the Iju–Abule-Egba axis. The project forms part of Lagos State’s broader effort to modernise urban transportation and improve the efficiency of public transit across the state.
The QBC model is designed to enhance bus operations along major transport routes by upgrading road infrastructure, improving traffic management systems, and providing better facilities for commuters.
Under the initiative, several improvements are expected along the corridor, including upgraded bus stops which are already underway, improved pedestrian walkways, traffic signal optimisation, and enhanced safety measures for road users.
These upgrades are aimed at making bus transportation faster, more reliable, and more comfortable for commuters while also reducing congestion along one of the busiest corridors in the area.
The Iju–Abule-Egba corridor serves as a major transportation link for communities across Ifako-Ijaiye and neighbouring areas. With the introduction of the QBC system and the rehabilitation of Iju Road, residents are expected to benefit from improved connectivity and more efficient access to key commercial and residential districts.
Improved road infrastructure also plays an important role in facilitating economic activities, as easier transportation enables smoother movement of goods and services across communities.
For traders, transport operators, and small business owners, better road conditions translate into reduced vehicle maintenance costs, shorter travel times, and improved productivity which is the desire of all citizens. This project will surely reduce costs of energy spent on travel time, improve lifespan through less traffic, reduce carbon emission and help achieve better health for all.
The ongoing infrastructural improvements in Ifako-Ijaiye have become a reality through the legislative advocacy and productive engagement with relevant government agencies by Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Adewale, who is also the Chairman,House Committee on Transportation has been instrumental in facilitating groundbreaking infrastructural projects to Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01, all in bid to improve the social outlook and transform the economic landscape of the area.
Through continuous engagement with government authorities and stakeholders, the projects have gained the support required to address longstanding transportation challenges affecting different parts of the constituency, giving residents the joy for free movements at will.
His advocacy has contributed to ensuring that Ifako-Ijaiye remains part of the broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at transforming Lagos into a modern and well-connected megacity.
Infrastructure development remains a key driver of urban growth, and the ongoing projects within Ifako-Ijaiye reflect a broader commitment to building resilient and efficient transport systems across Lagos State.
By combining road rehabilitation with modern public transport initiatives such as the Quality Bus Corridor, the state government is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and integrated transportation network.
For residents of Ifako-Ijaiye, the transformation of Iju Road and the introduction of the QBC initiative represent more than just road construction—they signal progress toward improved mobility, stronger local economies, and a better quality of life.
As work continues along the corridor, many residents remain optimistic that these infrastructural improvements will usher in a new era of development for the local government area.
Deputy Senate President Appoints Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide
The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, has appointed Hon. Odunleye Odunjo as Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), according to a letter dated March 6, 2027.
The letter, addressed to Odunjo, stated that the appointment is “at the pleasure of the Deputy President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Hon. Odunjo, who currently serves as Director General of Ogun State Visionaries for Yayi, previously represented Ado-Odo/Ota Constituency II in the Ogun State House of Assembly for eight years. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State before voluntarily resigning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the appointment, Odunjo expressed gratitude to God and thanked his principal, Senator Jibrin, for the opportunity to serve. He also acknowledged the support of Olamilekan Solomon Adeola and Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Odunjo’s new role as SLA positions him at the center of legislative affairs, assisting in policy formulation and constituency representation at the national level.
Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Picks Raise Questions on Merit, Strategy — Banwo
Dr. Ope Banwo, has questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s latest ambassadorial appointments, describing the list as reflective of political compensation rather than national strategy.
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In a self-signed statement released from his base on Wednesday, Banwo argued that the composition of the list suggests a pattern where loyalty and political survival appear to outweigh competence and global credibility.
According to him, countries typically deploy their most respected professionals and seasoned diplomats to represent national interests abroad. However, he noted that Nigeria’s approach seems to differ significantly.
“Other nations send their best—economists, scholars, and experienced diplomats. In Nigeria, we often send political loyalists, ideological turncoats, and controversial figures,” he said.
Banwo expressed concern that such appointments could weaken Nigeria’s global standing, stressing that diplomacy requires individuals who command respect in international circles.
He further questioned why diplomatic postings are often treated as rewards for political allegiance rather than strategic tools for advancing national interests.
The public commentator maintained that this pattern may partly explain Nigeria’s limited influence on the global stage, despite its size and economic potential.
Banwo noted that while some appointees may still perform creditably, the overall perception created by the list raises concerns about the country’s priorities.
He emphasized the need for a shift toward merit-based appointments, insisting that Nigeria deserves representatives who embody integrity, competence, and national pride.
“In my view, Nigeria deserves ambassadors who reflect the very best of our intellect and values, not individuals who leave foreign observers questioning our choices,” he added.
Banwo concluded that unless the selection process is reformed, Nigeria risks undermining its diplomatic effectiveness and credibility in international affairs.
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