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OPINION:TRUMP, NOSTALGIA AND NIGERIA’S CAPACITY FOR NATION BUILDING

Published

11 months ago

December 2, 2025

Times and words are powerful weights. Just a few lines from him—“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet”—and suddenly Nigeria’s sluggish attention to matters of public concern, especially security of life and property, began to stir. What was Nigeria’s crime? Genocide—against its own people. Nigeria’s descent from promise to something of a disgrace took barely five and a half decades. Precisely from 1970 to 2025, if one discounts the first decade after independence as a natural teething period most countries endure after the departure of colonial masters.

By the turn of the 21st century, national decay had reached its peak. Most indices of development collapse: infrastructure, industry, research capacity, citizens’ well-being, and security. The good old days simply vanished—to the astonishment of the pre-independence generation, who, though not without fault, could clearly tell the difference. That generation—both individuals and institutions—experienced a simpler Nigeria. Life was slow and uncomplicated. Few were educated, yet many were reliable. Nigerians were religious, but without the chronic bigotry of today. Churches and mosques were fewer, but people were morally upright.

The issue should not be twisted. The honest living of that era was not unrelated to the presence of a colonial system that sought to clone Nigerians—and indeed all colonial subjects—into a European lifestyle shaped by the early industrial revolution. Law, order, and accountability were the tools through which the colonialists colonised, governed, and controlled. European legal, economic, and administrative systems became the guiding principles. Early local colonial officers and, later, politicians were schooled and programmed accordingly. They were “white” internally, superintending over their fellow black communities. And it worked—at least administratively.

Things changed after independence. The further society drifted from the colonial experience, the weaker the assimilated values of orderliness, honouring time, public good, and accountability became. Because these behaviours were imposed rather than organically developed, they were difficult to sustain. Worse still, little effort was made to evolve local alternatives grounded in indigenous values. Education was not adapted to local realities. It’s neither labour-market linked, nor did it speak to entrepreneurial motivation. Institutions were not built, either. Thus, giving rise to massive structural unemployment where jobs to done/opportunities to be exploited, exist side-by-side with pools of unemployable labour. And so, as the colonial scaffolding faded, chaos and confusion rushed in to fill the vacuum. The more Nigeria moved away from 1960, the more entrenched the dysfunction became.

No one longs for colonialism—it was exploitative. But the experience, nonetheless, offered some nations a foundation on which to build. In some places, it produced “strong men.” In others, “strong institutions.” In a few, both. These two ingredients accelerated post-colonial development in many societies. Most of sub-Saharan Africa—especially Nigeria—missed out. Society became vacuous, with nothing to guide or shape it. And as Malcolm X (or Alexander Hamilton) put it, “If you stand for nothing, you fall for anything.” Nigeria’s failure to cultivate a shared national philosophy left it vulnerable to every divisive wind.

With no shared vision and weak institutions, Nigerians turned on one another in difficult times. Everyone looked for culprits. Sectarianism exploited social cracks and mental emptiness to mislead vulnerable believers. Some did so through distorted spirituality; others through toxic rhetoric. Ethnic and tribal chauvinists joined in. Before long, communities that once respected each other became sworn enemies. Relationships fractured. The idea of nationhood crumbled. As Achebe, quoting Yeats, captured: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold… The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”

Today, honest conversation has become perilous. Speaking freely with friends, colleagues, or old acquaintances in Nigeria feels like navigating a minefield. Gone are the days when people debated religion, culture, marriage, or political ideology openly. Every word now carries ethnic or religious connotations. People judge each other more by what they didn’t say than by what they said. Every sentence has triple meaning—what was said, what wasn’t said, and why. Paradoxically, what is unsaid is what people hear the loudest.

Under collective hypocrisy and silence, impunity rose and took the driver’s seat. Governance weakened, and society scattered like sheep without a shepherd. Insurgents, terrorists, bandits, and secessionists filled the vacuum. They grew and matured within the same communities that eventually became their victims. Yet Nigerians could not engage in open, honest discussions when these threats were still nascent. The result is a nation soaked in blood, tears, and avoidable misery.

When Boko Haram ravaged Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, many dismissed it as “their problem”—a distant Muslim-on-Muslim or Muslim-on-Christian conflict. Then armed herders began rustling livestock in the Northwest—Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina—and Nigerians again looked away. The phenomenon escalated into mass killings and industrial-scale kidnappings. Criminals reasoned that instead of stealing cattle and struggling to sell them, it was easier to kidnap the owner and make the family sell the cattle and bring the money. “Smart economics”—but drenched in the blood of tens of thousands of innocents.

Not done. The terrorists moved into the Middle Belt—Niger, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kwara. Here, criminality is fused with ethnic and religious undertones. Jihadist groups exploited these cracks. Natives and farmers fought back with whatever means they could. After decades, the outcome remains the same: death, displacement, and sorrow. In the Southeast, the ghost of the Civil War still lingers. IPOB’s armed struggle to revive the Biafra dream has been chequered but destructive, grounding the regional economy and inflaming tensions.

Discussing these crises openly has become taboo. Everything is dressed in religion, region, tribe, or culture. Nigerians discuss these matters internally within groups, but not across groups. People who can not share collective grief can not agree on causes. Even existential threats are reframed into ethnic talking points. Nigerians have become prisoners of their own narratives, transmitting doom from generation to generation.

As a consequence, Nigeria, with over 220 million people, becomes the only nation on earth with such a size to be economically impotent. It can’t genuinely invent, innovate, or improve. It’s a nation with a highly defficient capacity to manufacture or mechanise processes, except for low-tech activities such as bottling, packaging, and assembling, while mid-tech projects, are usually executed on turnkey bases. A nation that manages to put infrastructure like highways, power transmission, and public buildings but hardly maintains and/or routinely service them. A nation that at best could be said to be on the path of growth but certainly not development. For, no economy gets developed or transformed without the existence of given levels of applied engineering technology, innovation, and commercialisation capacity, and infrastructure. The Nigerian economy is defficient in all these, and as such vulnerable to imminent collapse – maybe within a twelve calendar months – in the event of an internationally coordinated economic sanctions.

Then Trump entered the scene. His allegation of genocide may be exaggerated, but it achieved what Nigerians had refused to do for decades—it forced the nation to talk. To accuse openly and to respond openly. Trump reminded Nigerians that nature equipped them with mouths. Problems can not be solved through silent groaning in enclaves. They must be confronted squarely. Whether or not Trump’s motives are clear, there is a silver lining: Nigerians are finally speaking. No more pretence. No more sweeping issues under the carpet—at least not if Nigeria plans to remain one country.

The way forward is for governments at all levels to treat the U.S. allegation not as an attack but as an opportunity for honest, open, and constructive national engagement. Civil society organisations like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Supreme Council of Islam Affairs (SCIA), and Jamma’at Nasirul Islam (JNI) must rally their followers toward common ground rather than divisive accusations. The same applies to major cultural and regional organisations—ACF, Ohanaeze, Afenifere. Through action or inaction, these groups, along with successive governments, have been part of the failure to stem Nigeria’s steady decline.

It is instructive and incumbent on all to know that the history of US interventions around the world rarely delivered the envisaged peace and stability. Instead, such nations were recessed decades back in terms of peace, harmony, and stability, from Somalia, Iraq, Libya, Philippines, Israel, Syria, and Afghanistan to cite a few. Nigeria is too fragile to gamble with US interventions even if it chooses mutual dissolution. Suffering and deprivation are “colourblind” when to it comes to tribe, religion, culture, or creed – the very achilles heels of Nigeria. Social upheaval, too, affects both the oppressed and oppressor, to varying degrees. In the final analysis, people largely may not only end up in the same boat but also face the same storm.

Now that Trump has lifted the lid over the bottled up frustrations, mutual prejudice, and attendant emotions, among Nigerians, the engagement should extend to why the nation and indeed Sub-saharan Africa are finding it difficult to evolve good governance. Why should a nation be in a constant state of lamentations and trading blame for over half a century? Granted that historical experiences (colonialism, neocolonialsm, neoliberalism, imperialism, globalism, etc) may have a part to play in a nation’s predicaments, why should some like Nigeria remain perpetually trapped. Nations make conscious and deliberate efforts to overcome them by cultivating the right attitude.

What is inside Nigerians that allow them to know the right thing but never prepared to do the right thing, just to go on extolling the virtues of those doing the right thing? Why doesn’t the consciousness stick? Nations work and walk out of “-isms” through hard work and justice systems and not lamentation and impunity. It is delusional to think that Nigeria could sidetrack good governance and still become a great nation. After getting over the allegations of genocide, the next logical dialogue should be to interrogate why Nigerians are the way they are. Could it be nature, nurture, or both? Let the interrogations begin.
A.G.Abubakar
agbarewa@gmail.com

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”