society
Nigeria’s Endless Circle of Failure: Citizens’ Silence Feeds Corruption
Nigeria’s Endless Circle of Failure: Citizens’ Silence Feeds Corruption.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
History shows nations rise when people refuse injustice. Nigeria remains trapped in poverty and misrule because too many endure what others fought to change.
Introduction.
Nigeria’s greatest challenge has never been government alone; it is also the citizens who condone and normalize its failures. For more than six decades, the country has been trapped in a vicious cycle of corruption, mismanagement and betrayal by leaders. Yet the deeper tragedy lies in how Nigerians quickly adjust to suffering, excuse incompetence and allow mediocrity to become the national culture.
This dangerous tolerance has created a fertile ground for political recycling. Leaders fail, loot and mismanage with confidence, knowing that after a few weeks of public outrage, citizens will quiet down, move on and even reward them with RE-ELECTION. The consequence is clear: Nigeria remains a paradox; RESOURCE-RICH yet POVERTY-STRICKEN, where leadership failure is matched only by citizens’ complacency.
According to the World Bank, 46% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line in 2024, despite the country being Africa’s largest oil producer. This contradiction cannot be explained by corrupt governance alone; it is equally about a people who no longer demand accountability.
How Nigerians Enable Failure.
A telling example is the ₦70,000 minimum wage law passed in June 2024. More than 20 state governments have refused to implement it, claiming empty treasuries. Instead of citizens uniting to demand compliance, silence and excuses dominate. By tolerating such disobedience, Nigerians indirectly empower leaders to keep breaking promises without fear of backlash.
The same pattern played out after the fuel subsidy removal in 2023. Fuel prices tripled overnight, transportation costs skyrocketed and food inflation hit record highs. By mid-2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported food inflation above 35%, the worst in two decades. After brief protests, Nigerians adjusted to the pain and carried on, leaving government unchallenged.
The imposition of mandatory identification systems further demonstrates this passivity. From BVN (Bank Verification Number) to NIN (National Identification Number) and now TIN (Tax Identification Number), Nigerians are forced through chaotic rollouts that deny millions access to financial services and business operations. Instead of demanding efficiency and fairness, citizens simply comply, regardless of the exploitation involved.
To make matters worse, in 2025 the government introduced a 5% fuel tax, compounding the suffering of a people already bleeding from subsidy removal. After some murmurs of discontent, Nigerians once again accepted it in silence.
“Corruption thrives not in the halls of government, but in the quiet acceptance of those it is meant to serve.” ~ George O. Sylvester.
This culture of quiet endurance sends a dangerous message: leaders can impose any burden on the masses, and they will endure it without organized resistance.
Lessons from Nepal: Citizens Who Refused to Accept Failure.
To grasp the heavy cost of Nigeria’s complacency, one must look at Nepal. For centuries, Nepal endured an absolute monarchy where power was concentrated in the hands of kings who ignored the people’s needs. Corruption, inequality and suppression of freedoms left citizens desperate and disillusioned.
The turning point came with the People’s Movement of 2006 (Loktantra Andolan). Millions of Nepalis poured into the streets, demanding democracy, justice and freedom. Despite military crackdowns, arrests and bloodshed, they refused to retreat. The Maoist insurgency, ongoing since 1996, merged with civil protests, creating unstoppable pressure. By 2008, the monarchy was abolished and Nepal became a republic.
This historic revolution proves a timeless truth: change is never handed down by leaders; it is demanded and often forced, by the people.
Other Nations That Rejected Failure.
Nepal’s story is not isolated. History is filled with examples of nations where citizens refused to condone injustice and compelled leaders to change course.
South Korea (1987): After decades of military dictatorship, millions of South Koreans flooded the streets demanding free elections. Despite violent crackdowns, their persistence paid off. Democratic reforms followed, laying the foundation for South Korea’s transformation into one of the world’s most advanced economies.
Tunisia (2011): The Arab Spring began in Tunisia after Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, set himself ablaze in protest against corruption and police harassment. The people erupted in mass protests and within weeks, President Ben Ali (who had ruled for 23 years) was forced into exile. Tunisia became the first Arab country to topple a dictator in that wave of uprisings.
Sudan (2019): After 30 years of Omar al-Bashir’s iron-fisted rule, Sudanese citizens mobilized in unprecedented protests against economic hardship and political repression. Despite brutal crackdowns, they persisted until the regime collapsed. Bashir was ousted, proving yet again that united citizens are stronger than entrenched rulers.
These examples highlight one truth: GOVERNMENTS ONLY RESPECT CITIZENS WHO REFUSE TO REMAIN SILENT.
Why Nigerians Remain Silent.
If history shows the power of resistance, why do Nigerians remain trapped in silence? Several factors explain this dangerous pattern:
Ethnic and Religious Divisions – Many defend leaders from their tribe or faith, even when those leaders fail spectacularly. This toxic loyalty recycles incompetence across elections.
Weaponized Poverty – Nearly half of Nigerians live in poverty and politicians exploit this vulnerability by distributing food or cash during elections, buying silence at a cheap price.
Fear of Repression – Decades of authoritarian crackdowns have instilled fear in Nigerians. Yet history proves that tyrannies collapse when citizens resist together.
Resigned Helplessness – After endless cycles of betrayal, many Nigerians believe change is impossible. This resignation feeds the system, ensuring nothing improves.
The Heavy Price of Silence.
The consequences of this citizen silence are devastating:
Mass Exodus of Youth: Between 2022 and 2024, over 2 million Nigerians emigrated legally and illegally, according to the African Union. This brain drain is stripping the country of its most productive citizens.
Persistent Insecurity: Boko Haram, kidnappings and banditry continue because leaders mismanage security resources while citizens adjust to living in fear.
Economic Stagnation: Nigeria has earned over $1 trillion from oil since independence, yet it ranks among the poorest nations globally in per capita income.
Silence has turned Nigeria into a paradox: RICH IN RESOURCES, POOR IN REALITY.
Nepal’s Revolution vs Nigeria’s Complacency.
The revolutions in Nepal, South Korea, Tunisia, and Sudan contrast sharply with Nigeria’s passivity:
Unity Over Division: Citizens in those countries set aside ethnic, tribal and sectarian divides to fight for a common cause. Nigerians remain trapped in divisions that weaken collective action.
Persistent Action: Protests in those nations continued until victory was secured. Nigerians often protest for a few days, then return to routine, giving government room to recover.
Clear Mission: Nepalese, Tunisians and Sudanese citizens demanded specific goals (democracy, justice, freedom) and achieved them. Nigerians lack a unified demand, drifting between complaints and resignation.
Until Nigerians learn persistence, unity and clarity of purpose, their protests will remain fleeting and their silence deafening.
Final Word.
Nigeria’s endless circle of failure is not sustained by corrupt leaders alone; it is fueled by citizens who excuse corruption, tolerate mediocrity and endure suffering without demanding accountability. Whether it is unpaid wages, exploitative taxes, chaotic identification schemes or destructive fuel policies, Nigerians have learned to adjust instead of resist.
“A nation does not fail because of bad leaders alone; it fails when its people choose to remain silent in the face of injustice.” ~ George O. Sylvester
The lesson from Nepal, South Korea, Tunisia and Sudan is simple yet powerful: change comes only when people stop condoning failure. When citizens unite with one voice, no government can resist transformation.
The choice before Nigerians is clear: remain silent and watch the nation decay further; or rise, as others once did and rewrite history.
Leadership Expansion: GMT 2027 Announces Jejeniwa as Ila Orangun Coordinator
Lagos, Nigeria – 18th September 2025
The nationwide political and development platform known as GMT 2027 has announced the appointment of Omo’ba Temitayo Jejeniwa as its new Coordinator for Ila Orangun and surrounding communities in Osun State, Nigeria. The appointment was formally unveiled at the organization’s Lagos headquarters and marks a key step in GMT 2027’s plan to strengthen grassroots engagement across the country ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
GMT 2027, an influential movement that supports democratic participation and socio-economic growth, is led by Director General Hon. Adebisi Yusuf, a prominent former legislator in the Lagos State House of Assembly. The initiative is widely regarded as a strategic platform for policy advocacy and community mobilization as Nigeria looks toward its next presidential elections.
In his remarks, Hon. Yusuf praised Jejeniwa’s “record of service and proven capacity to bring people together around shared goals,” adding that the appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to “inclusive leadership and regional representation.”
Jejeniwa, a community development advocate with experience in civic education and youth engagement, described the appointment as “a call to service and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s democratic journey.” He pledged to work closely with local stakeholders to advance GMT 2027’s objectives of economic empowerment, voter awareness, and sustainable community projects throughout the Ila Orangun zone.
Political observers note that Ila Orangun, a historic town in southwestern Nigeria, is an important cultural and electoral hub. Strengthening GMT 2027’s presence in the region is expected to enhance dialogue between local communities and national policymakers.
The announcement comes as Nigeria continues to prioritize grassroots political participation and inclusive governance under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has signalled strong support for civic initiatives that encourage voter engagement and transparent elections.
Jejeniwa’s appointment is effective immediately. His first tasks will include setting up a regional office, coordinating with local leaders, and outlining a work plan that aligns with GMT 2027’s national strategy.
Felak Group Debunks False Story in Purported $7m Transaction
Felak Group, together with its subsidiary, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas, has debunked a publication authored by Mr. Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, which attempted to link the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, OFR, and Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas, in a purported $7 million cash transaction involving Providus Bank.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists on Thursday, Felak Group management denied any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction, describing the publication as “unfounded, contradictory, and misleading”.
“We categorically state that neither Dr. (Mrs.) Achimugu nor Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas has any connection whatsoever to the alleged transaction. The claims are unfounded, contradictory, and misleading,” the statement reads, adding that. At the same time, the publication suggests the funds were deposited in Lagos, the referenced legal proceedings state otherwise in Abuja, an inconsistency that underscores its lack of credibility”.
According to Felak Group, it is evident that the allegations were designed to undermine confidence in its leadership and discredit the work of Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas. “The attempt to link our principal and subsidiary to this matter is unfounded, misleading, and without any factual basis, and represents a gross abuse of free expression,” the Group stated.
As a responsible corporate institution, with transparency, ethical business
practices and excellence as its key attributes, Felak Group reiterates its unwavering commitment to always protecting its name, its people, and its legacy, while it calls on the author and all parties who have circulated the rumour to issue an immediate and unconditional retraction and apology, with the same visibility as the original publication.
The Group therefore promises that if the demands are not met, it will be left with no option but to pursue every available legal option to restore its reputation. “Should this not occur immediately, we will have no choice but to pursue all necessary legal remedies available to us.
Felak Group remains steadfast in driving innovation and excellence across our industries whilst conducting business with the utmost integrity,” the statement concludes.
Turning Ondo State into a Global Tourist Destination
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“We have a lot of tourist sites in the state that would help us create more jobs for our people, boost our economy, and generate revenue.
- Gov. Lucky Aiyetadiwa ( Speaking at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP ), July 2025 )
That tourism remains an untapped gold mine across Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural landscape is stating the obvious. But what might not be so known to millions of the citizens, including the policy makers are the pragmatic policies, programs and projects to serve as the right steps to take; to bridge the gap which currently exists between the immense natural potentials and the actualized revenues and inputs from the significant sector. Though the most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals in 2024 as revealed by Lewis Nunn, the Senior Travel Editor with Forbes Magazine include France with 100 million visitors, Spain with 94 million, the United States,72.4 million, Italy 69.5 million followed by Turkey with 52.6 million while the Travel industry pumped $11.1 trillion into global economy Nigeria did not rank amongst the top 10
most visited countries in Africa in 2024.
On the continent Morocco topped with 17.4 million tourists, followed by Egypt, 15.7 million; Tunisia, 10.25 million and South Africa, 8.92 million In fact, Nigeria ranked 12th with 1.2 million tourists mostly driven by diaspora visits, business, and cultural events.
While the country recorded a total of 528,000 tourists in 2022, ranking 88th in the world that figure increased to 1.2 million international visitors, and three million domestic trips equating to 20% rise in 2023. That was according to the then Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John. She disclosed this during the 20th edition of the AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market, held in Lagos. But one state that is poised to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s tourism spectrum is none other than the acclaimed Sunshine State, Ondo located in the South-West geo-political zone.
Given its scenic, diverse landscape with the tempting terrain from the rolling hills,verdant valleys across the fertile forests to the aquatic splendor of the Atlantic ocean boasting of the longest coastline in West Africa, Ondo state is considered a prime tourism investment destination. That is more so due to its wealth of natural and cultural resources, offering an enticing opportunity for tourism investors. Name them; from the
Araromi White Sand Beach to the Idanre Hills Tourist Centre and the Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre,Obdo state has all these and more. Places such as Igbo Olodumare.
Smokin Hill Golf Resort and
Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage center) are spell-bing places as memorable treats for visitors from across the globe. In fact, Idanre is an ideal site for high altitude sport, training, gaming, adventure, relaxation, picnicking, leadership training and holidaying.. But how do we harness them for the state’s sustainable economic growth? That is the million-naira, sorry, dollar question.
Well aware of these huge potentials, the state governor, Lucky Aiyetadiwa has pledged that his administration was ready to maximize the tourism potentials for economic growth of the Ondo. He gave the assurance at the 9th annual general meeting and conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, in July,2025. He acknowledged the immense contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any nation. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said his administration was deeply focusing on preserving the existing tourist sites in Ondo state in order to attract local and foreign tourists.
In specific term, he stated that: “Sites like the Idanre Hills, Araromi Beach, Igbo Olodumare and Ebomi Lake, among others, would soon receive attention. We will maximize our tourism potential for economic growth.”
And walking the talk on the promises made, Governor Aiyetadiwa has gone ahead to award contract based on Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) for massive construction of recreation centres as well as hotels, chalets to accommodate visitors to Idanre Hills from across the globe. It is a similar one for the Araromi Obuh at the Atlantic Bar Beach as a world tourist site. Located close to the state”s modular oil refinery with a capacity of 500,000 barrels per day, it will no doubt attract tourists. Of interest too is the springing up of several top-class hotels in places such as Akure,Ondo,Okitipupa, Ikare and Ore, that connects the South West to the South East. All these, as confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku will assist to open up the cities to harness their potentials as cultural destinations.
Speaking on how Ondo state could leverage on the available tourism potentials, an indigene who happens to be the Convener, Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference ( DNGRC ), Ambassador Ayo Omotoso insists that the state has a beautiful place in the global tourism map, that is, if properly harnessed. That is more so in the development and showcasing areas of tourist destinations, cultural spectacles and agritourism.
Describing tourism as universal and a tool to create wealth; which contributes to the nation”s GDP he believes that Ondo state in particular and Nigeria at large have what it takes to be reckoned with as places such as Malaysia, Jordan, Scandinavian countries, South Africa, Jerusalem, Mecca, and Dubai, all of which earn huge incomes from tourism.
According to him, the tourism template of Ondo State is worth 29 billion dollars and can generate employment for one million youths. The major tourism signature among them is Idanre Hills, which is 3,000 ft. above sea level and is listed on a UNESCO heritage site. He wants it to be properly marketed around the scenic beauty of the hilly town of Idanre, celebrating nature’s gift and providing a viable destination for tourists.
Similarly, Oke Maria is a religious destination waiting for branding and other tourism embellishments
similar to how Israel sells major religious tourist centres, including Jerusalem to the rest of the world.
On the cultural attractions of Ondo state there are colorful ones like the Igogo festival which is already on the world’s tourism map as well as the Eginmogun Festival.
Notably, the eco-tourism potential ranges from mineral resources to the beach coastline. The coastal area development too will generate funds similar to what happens in Florida, in the United States flourishes through tourism.
On agritourism the idea of Ile-Oluji Cocoa Powder, a tea with a good natural taste is a welcome development. With it the people can mix it with a tourism as it is done in Kenya and many East African countries. .Farmers and ranchers use this interest to develop traffic at their farms or ranch and interest in the quality of their products.
Tourism, as Omotoso views it is like a flame that once you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. It also has one with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.
With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day. flame; the moment you light it, it brings development to the whole geographical space. Good enough, Gov. Aiyetadiwa is lightening up the space by the partnership the state has with the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security, to train and empower over 34,000 livestock farmers of the state on livestock productivity. And of course, that with the Czech Republic for a strategic diplomatic engagement aimed at enhancing economic growth, technological transfer, and international cooperation, involving global investors and entrepreneurs, aimed at unlocking the state’s vast economic potentials.
With massive infrastructural development opening up the tourist destinations, down to the rural areas and peace guaranteed the dream of turning Ondo state into a global destination has started to see the light of the day.
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