By Adebanji Dada, Esq

As Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, it is important to acknowledge the difficulties confronting the masses. The impact of current economic realities has left people focused on survival, with many hoping for divine intervention to ease their burdens. However, despite the hardships, it is crucial that we do not give up. Our collective effort is essential for building a better society and a more prosperous future.

To navigate the complexities of nation-building, it’s essential to recognize that a country’s growth and prosperity depend on the presence of statesmanship and patriots, rather than economic opportunists and looters who prioritize personal gain over collective progress.

Economic opportunists are individuals who seek to exploit the system for their own benefit, often at the expense of others. These include civil servants and public office holders who abuse their positions for personal gain. They focus on what they can extract from the system, rather than contributing to its growth and development. In contrast, statesmen and patriots prioritize the nation’s interests, working tirelessly to create a better future for all citizens.

Nation-building requires statesmen, leadership, patriots and active participation from all citizens. The country’s progress is not solely the responsibility of those in government—it is a shared responsibility. Nigeria needs more informed citizens and followers who will hold the government accountable for its actions. While it is undeniable that the road ahead is challenging, our focus must be on how we can contribute to national development by fostering accountability, good governance, and sustainable growth.

Countries that have achieved remarkable development, such as Singapore and South Korea, have done so through leaders who placed the national interest above personal gain. Their success stories serve as valuable lessons for Nigeria, highlighting the importance of long-term planning, integrity, and a commitment to building legacies that benefit future generations.

It is essential that we, as citizens, engage in the process of nation-building by holding ourselves and our leaders to the highest standards. We must recognize that we have a critical role to play in shaping our nation’s future. Accordingly, we must be informed, engaged, and vocal, demanding that our leaders do what is right. In government, there are only two approaches to getting things done; the right way or the wrong way. There’s no middle ground. The right way involves prioritizing the nation’s interests, following due process, making tough decisions, and working collaboratively to achieve common goals. The wrong way involves prioritizing personal interests, engaging in corrupt practices, and exploiting the system for personal gain.

Beyond organizing annual festivals at significant costs, our towns’ unions can be properly organized to play key roles in driving coordinated youth and sustainable development at the grassroots levels”. Civic engagement should not be limited to election cycles or isolated calls for change; rather, it should be a sustained effort to strengthen our institutions and contribute to the welfare of all Nigerians.

While the current economic policies are difficult for many, the way forward lies in unity, perseverance and continuous search for a way out. Resigning to fate will not bring about the change we seek. Instead, by working together as creative problem solvers, we can drive the reforms necessary to improve the lives of every Nigerian. Leadership is tasked with making tough decisions, but they are also responsible for ensuring that these decisions are in the best interest of the people.

In conclusion, the economic challenges we face should not deter us from striving for a better society. Together, we can work toward a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, one where leadership and service to the people are the cornerstones of governance. By remaining hopeful, united, and committed to progress, we can build the nation we all desire.

The future of Nigeria depends on our collective action. Let’s move forward with determination and purpose, knowing that we have a role to play in shaping the future of our great nation.

Adebanji Dada, Esq.(BJD) is a Partner at Greenbridge Partners (Legal Practitioners), Abuja