society
Nigeria Is Not a Dead Country: Our Politics Is Rotten, But Our Potential Is Limitless
Nigeria Is Not a Dead Country: Our Politics Is Rotten, But Our Potential Is Limitless.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Nigeria is not a dead country. That truth must ring louder than the lies sold by cynical politicians and echoed by frustrated citizens. Nigeria is not a failed state; it is a hijacked one. It has been captured by a parasitic political class from top to bottom, soaked in corruption, nepotism, mediocrity and selfishness. Let us be clear: Nigeria still breathes. It still beats with the rhythm of resilience, talent and untapped greatness. As the legendary Fela Kuti said, “My people are scared of the air around them, they always have an excuse not to fight for freedom.” Even in our disillusionment, hope still shines.
It is not that we don’t have problems. We have plenty. Nigeria is plagued by chronic insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, epileptic power supply, tribal divisions and a broken educational system. Our leaders, past and present, have largely failed us. They loot without shame and govern without vision. Whether in Aso Rock or in the state houses, most of them treat public office like a buffet table; eat as much as you can while it lasts. But despite all this, we must not write off our nation. Our problem is leadership, not a lack of national potential.
“Talent No Be By Region, E Dey Inside Person”
There has been renewed talk about restructuring and regional government. Fine. But we must not fall into the trap of thinking structure alone will save us. Leadership is not about location; it’s about capacity, vision and moral integrity. As AY the comedian once joked, “If dem give some people heaven, dem go still sell the golden gates!” The truth is, if you give a dullard a well-structured system, he will still crash it. A leader without direction is like a plane with no pilot; you’re headed for disaster no matter how fine the aircraft is.
We need to stop romanticizing systems without addressing the characters we put into those systems. Regional government without competent leaders is like pouring water into a basket. From federal to local level, bad leadership has been the virus spreading across our land. From fake credentials to forged NYSC certificates, padded budgets to phantom projects, corruption has been the thread that ties many of our so-called leaders together.
It would be dishonest to say all is lost. We still have exceptional Nigerians doing amazing things at home and abroad. In tech, entertainment, sports, science and medicine, Nigerians are winning. From Burna Boy selling out stadiums globally, to Tobi Amusan breaking records in athletics, to Nigerian tech startups attracting global investments (this country is pregnant with brilliance. It’s not the people who have failed Nigeria) it is the political system and those who manipulate it for selfish ends (stomach infrastructure).
A Country of Dreams Trapped in a Nightmare of Governance
Nigeria is the only country where talented youths are told to pray more than they plan. The same pastors cum politicians who don’t provide jobs ask you to “sow seed” for breakthrough. The same people who steal your future tell you to “believe in God’s time.” As Falz rapped in his protest anthem “This is Nigeria,”
“There’s plenty Wahala sha, but we dey manage am, corruption and greed still dey carry am.”
Why must the average Nigerian suffer because a few people at the top lack EMPATHY, CONSCIENCE and COMPETENCE? Why should a country blessed with oil, gas, cocoa, bitumen, gold, arable land and etc still depend on importation of fuel and food? Why should we be in 2025 still talking about ELECTRICITY like it’s a LUXURY? Even Somalia is stabilizing its grid. Yet Nigeria, the so-called “Giant of Africa,” remains a DWARF in DEVELOPMENT.
Youths Are Not Lazy; They Are Angry
The average Nigerian youth is not lazy. The average Nigerian youth is angry. Angry that our universities are shut down for months due to strikes, while politicians send their children abroad. Angry that N-Power and other schemes are just political Ponzi programs. Angry that we get blamed for not being patriotic while those in power loot the nation dry and fly out for medical treatment.
The truth is, we cannot build a new Nigeria with the same old mindset. As comedian Bovi once said, “Nigeria is the only country where the poor fight themselves while protecting the rich who are oppressing them.” And he is right. We need to stop idolizing thieves in agbada and begin holding them accountable; whether they are in PDP, APC, LP or any other POLITICAL GANG masquerading as a PARTY.
We must change the culture that celebrates criminals and shames the honest. We need new leaders not recycled bandits in suits. And above all, we must believe in Nigeria; not the government, not the politicians, but in the country itself and what it can be with the right people at the helm.
Our Strength Is in Our People
From ABA to ZARIA, from LAGOS to ENUGU, Nigerians are hardworking. Our ENTREPRENEURS don’t wait for government handouts. Our ARTISTS, TECH FOUNDERS, FARMERS and MARKET WOMEN/ MEN show resilience every day. Despite having little support, they keep going. That’s why we must not let the political rot define us. We are more than our politicians. We are not a people of failure, but are a PEOPLE SURVIVING and THRIVING in spite of failure.
In the words of Burna Boy: “My country people suffer, suffer… dem dey pray for blessing, but them no dey plan.” It’s time we stop PRAYING alone and start PLANNING, ORGANIZING, VOTING WISELY and DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY.
We must return to the idea that patriotism includes demanding better, not blind loyalty to leaders who treat governance like a family business. We must understand that Nigeria’s salvation lies not in any messiah, tribe or religion; but in an informed, united and determined citizenry.
No Region Is Better; No Tribe Holds the Key
Whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Tiv, Urhobo or Idoma, no group has a monopoly on intelligence or stupidity. The notion that leadership will improve if a certain region rules is pure FALSE. We have had presidents from the North. West and the South, Christians and Muslims, military and civilian; and yet Nigeria remains on the SAME SPOT, sometimes worse.
The problem is not where our leaders come from, but what they bring with them. If they come with empty heads and corrupt hearts, the result will be more pain. This is not rocket science. Nations don’t develop by magic; they develop by vision, discipline and courageous leadership.
We Must Reclaim Our Narrative
Let’s stop saying Nigeria is DEAD. Let’s stop the DOOMSDAY TALK. That’s the narrative they want to sell so we give up and let them continue to ruin us. Nigeria is alive, but in a coma of BAD LEADERSHIP. We must be the OXYGEN. We must be the VOICE that wakes her up. As Mr Macaroni says in his skits, “You are doing well… NOT!” that sarcasm is the daily reality of Nigeria. We are not doing well and pretending we are won’t fix anything. Neither will despair.
It’s time to RISE, to THINK, to SPEAK and to ACT. Nigeria is our country (not their estate. We don’t need saints in office) we need sensible people. Not angels (just accountable humans. Not perfect systems) just functional ones with transparency and fairness.
Final Word
Nigeria is not dead, but she’s being strangled slowly by those who were meant to protect her. We cannot continue to watch in silence. We must SPEAK, ACT and DEMAND BETTER, if we don’t, we are ACCOMPLICES to our own DOWNFALL.
Leadership is not about tribe, religion, political party or region; it is about VISION, DISCIPLINE and ACTION. And if the person no get am, no be regional government go give am. If e no dey, e no dey!
Let’s build a Nigeria that reflects the strength of her PEOPLE and not the greed of her politicians.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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