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The Gathering Storm on Nigeria @ 50 and NAA @ 25 By Dr. Patrick Iroegbu
HOW OVER TEN NIGERIAN SCHOLARS GATHERED AND DELIVERED PAPERS AT GRANT MACEWAN UNIVERSITY IN CANADA Abstract: The present submission gives a critical story of how Nigerian scholars gathered at Grant MacEwan University in Canada to discuss Nigeria. It provides insight on how undeterred leaders rise to issues and get things done despite challenges common with Nigerians in the diaspora.
Introduction This piece is a critical story of the gathering of Nigerian seasoned and emerging scholars in Canada. It has helped me to ask this or that question. The point is, at the end of October 2010, if any right thinking Nigerian will ask again why Nigeria and Nigerians should at home and in the Diaspora celebrate Nigeria’s attainment of 50 years of independence, then it will surely appear to many others and myself puzzling. I commit this write up to situate and explore the significance of the gathering of Nigerian scholars at the Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton of Alberta Canada on a wonderful Saturday, October 23, 2010. How did the idea start and how did things turn out at the event of the gathering? Why did these scholars gather in the first place and how were they convinced to gather to discuss Nigeria – a topic people are not only stigmatized and scared of to address, but also terribly bored and reluctant to talk about in academic and social circles. Nigeria as a country is an enigma. Do not waste time talking about Nigeria, think of other things and do, leave Nigeria, her leadership, ethnic chauvinistic, undemocratic and military lifestyle woes alone were the common refrains. A nation tormented with impotent education and polygamous religious disabling faith. And, however, to have the courage to ferret Nigeria let alone convince Nigerians in the Diaspora faced with challenges of work, school, family, racism and fear of Nigeria is a huge task. While I do not discount the fact that in many countries around the world, Nigerians have gathered as it occurred in Canada on October 23, 2010 to talk about Nigeria – and essentially such gatherings drove home the anticipated and unanticipated spirit of Nigerianism for the future. There was even something out there to refer to and learn from in order to mobilize and get our voices heard. I draw from the position of my having been a participant observer, organizer and facilitator of the gathering storm of the issues about Nigeria that we need to know and do to regenerate and reshape Nigeria. My involvement as I will show, suggests to me that Nigerians are ready to do something for and about Nigeria. What they constantly hope to see is just someone to rise to the community and call them up. With the right approach, vision, mental attitude and resources, Nigerians can answer as they may be called upon – day or night to check on what opportunities and challenges they can immerse their interests, experiences and skills. Nigerians, no matter how we think and try to undermine their ability to mobilize and fashion a capacity to operate, what they need is a person of good community standing to raise the call and say, come – there is something we can discuss and challenge ourselves with. In addition, Nigerians do seek spaces to unload their frustrations at Nigeria, in particular the state of things at home in Nigeria. What on earth would have positioned, for example, Ghana to become a save house, a save country to which Nigerians are now resorting for education and business? Why has South Africa become a status quo ante, London, for Nigerians to invest in and escape to? Why has this or that been so and so? So why did Nigerian scholars gather at the said university on the said day? What did they do and hope to see change for Nigeria in the coming years?
The Idea to Gather and Reverse a Disconnect Village and Town Hall meetings in Nigeria remain one of Africa’s means of kinship and extended community system of political, social, economic and civic dialogue. In the 1950s prior to Nigeria’s independence, villages and urban unions gathered and discussed Nigeria in line with seeking for the mandate to be granted self rule. Community leaders, queens and kings and whatever ethnic names each were called mobilized for the agitation to demand self governance from the British rule of the time. Guided with lessons and the spirit of mobilization and support across Africa, nations emerged from one month to another in Africa. In the month of October alone, about ten African nations gained independence from their colonizers, in particular Britain and France. This was indeed helped by the audacity and need realized by the various emerging political activists of the era of struggle for self determination. People like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Bellewa, the Ojukwus, the Mbadiwes, the Ikejianis including the Emirs, Obas, Alafins, Sadunas, Ndi Eze, Chiefs, Alhajis, Alhajas, and all people that mattered in the struggle saw good reasons to fight together. The concept of the founding fathers of Nigeria was born as a result of a collective felt need. So it is that Nigeria was delivered as a geographical political space to the founding fathers to act for themselves according to their own understood cultural wisdom and hopes. To make the argument clear enough, there would have been no Nigeria in form it was granted if the founding fathers did not agree or accept to build on it for themselves and for the generations ahead. So what has gone wrong to say Nigeria cannot be discussed and reshaped to fit the new class of post independent Nigeria and Nigerians? The call to respond to this misunderstanding was that Nigerians have the responsibility to discuss Nigeria and gathering to do so is a responsibility too. To do justice to Nigeria is to gather and discuss her in a formal setting like the forefathers did at their time in village squares and urban unions. Now those in diaspora need to come out and debate. Arguing about Nigeria at one’s home is not likely to help send a studied message for change. In the call for a colloquium, Dr. Iroegbu captured the message well when he wrote and canvassed for this:
Please be ready to come along with me and let us deliver a high impact debate as Nigeria celebrates her 50th anniversary. There is no other better moment to do this than now. We cannot agree less with the ancient philosopher, Socrates, who said that “an unexamined life is not worth living”, a classic statement that provides a line of thought for the need to usher in a colloquium of deep interest and participation. It clearly suggests that if we do not pay attention to issues that matter to us, such issues will surely come back to bite us. That is even the more reason why we have to get involved in matters that are bigger than our individual selves such as this colloquium to make it happen and rewarding. All social pundits, academic doctors and professors, researchers, students, administrators and workers in Edmonton and areas need to see this colloquium as a moment of being called up to duty as you have never before. Embrace it as I did and let us march together to the auditorium and microphone and make a difference at Nigeria’s 50th anniversary call to help build and rebuild her from the diaspora perspective! Arguing at informal corners and occasions about Nigeria and NAA without getting heard is like making noise with your mouth and tongue deeply tucked into a can of coke! And of course, I know you won’t like your contribution to be ignored in the publication that will follow.
Recalled in the idea to gather seemed to have gathered slowly as many people down here in Edmonton initially looked the other way due to some internal squabbles common with managing Nigerian ethnic groups in any form of Nigerian community and national organizations. At the same time, the idea to gather and celebrate Nigeria@50 initiated a new crop of enthusiastic Nigerians who wanted to shy away from the old guards to shine out the moment with a new life and new pathway to go. So what happened? Calls for meetings to discuss, plan, raise funds, and carry out the activities around the event of Nigeria@50 took off at Nigeria Cultural Centre, popularly called Nigerian House. An Igbo woman, Mrs. Dora Onuoha, a retired Nurse had served as the president of the Nigeria Association of Alberta (NAA) and it was during her leadership that she mobilized a few able Nigerians and purchased the Cultural Centre for Nigerian activities since the 1980s. Nigeria Association of Alberta was founded in 1985 as a registered community organization in Alberta with head quarters in Edmonton. The fact that NAA became 25 years in 2010 made things even more significant to celebrate the association and Nigeria’s 50 years of independence together. In general, Nigeria Association of Alberta participates in the annual Edmonton Heritage Festival, runs a Casino to raise funds, and organizes Nigerian Day Independence, Dance troupe and sometimes Christmas events including Youth Picnic and summer barbecue feast. It appeared to many that the NAA is dwindling in what it can further offer to meet the needs of new immigrant Nigerians and the children of old immigrants in Edmonton and areas. Taking cognizance of the entire situation of NAA, it still became obvious to mobilize and use the NAA@25 to examine, refocus and re-invent NAA. As such, a dual Jubilee (Nigeria@50 & NAA@25) became inevitable. The NAA leadership though was shaken up with internal ethnic grumbles, yet everyone that wanted to be part of the NAA goal and mission to initiate a path for NAA and Nigeria came on board. The committee worked hard to mobilize and educate the community on the important need to celebrate Nigeria. A theme to guide the celebration was brain stormed and it was settled for: Learning from the Past and Building for the Future. The theme having been well chosen to fit both NAA and Nigeria@50 sense of self, the planning committee chaired by Mr. Innocent Chiasaokwu went into action. With the help of Dr. Chiemeka Ihejirika and Dr. Mike Afara and the able Secretary of NAA, Engr. Caje Ngede and the undeterred President of NAA, Dr. Eugene Nnamani in view of threats of sabotage by some aggrieved members of NAA, Flyers and posters, tickets and invitations, solicitations and media campaign took the stage to market the lined up events around Nigeria@50 and NAA@25 celebrations. Part of the target programs hoped to be realized was to produce a Special Edition of the NAA’s Nigeria Focus Magazine which had its first volume and edition in 1994. To add to this intended initiative, it was hopped that everyone will be encouraged to participate through essay competition and prize awards. The co-ordinator of this aspect of the program, Dr. Patrick Iroegbu, quickly took charge. He understood how important it is to get everyone on board. He launched an appeal statement of purpose and creative involvement of the NAA programs for celebrating Nigeria and NAA in October 2010. First, Dr. Patrick Iroegbu sounded convincing in the series of planning meetings and the general meeting of the NAA to move on with the events. He further launched a call for submission of articles and papers for the Special Edition of the Nigeria Focus Magazine and a Colloquium/Conference to gather scholars, administrators, diplomats and community leaders together at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton of Canada. The birth of the gathering storm had begun.
The D-Day: Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Grant MacEwan University As it was well planned, the rich intercontinental breakfast was ready by 7.45 am and lunch would be served at 12.30 pm as announced in the course of promoting the agenda for the colloquium/conference. Students of the university, scholars and participants arrived and helped themselves with the breakfast. A few technical electronic enhancement issues were fixed for the various lab-tops scholars brought and for the use of internet network as needed by facilitators, speakers and presenters. Dr. Franca Boag, a leading social and cultural anthropologist of the Grant MacEwan University welcomed the participants and praised the organizers and Nigerian community leaders for choosing to run the conference at the university and hoped that the presentations will really meet the challenges Nigeria is faced with at 50 for a new path. Dr. Boag also praised Dr. Patrick Iroegbu for working so hard to put the program for the colloquium together and wished the gathered speakers and participants to experience an insightful and fruitful deliberation with the university’s community engagement and intercultural building efforts. The Opening Remarks by Dr. Patrick Iroegbu The remarks ran as follows: As Veno Marioghe, the prolific 1980's singer once crooned – “Nigeria go Survive.” We have gathered today to help her discover the ways. But how? What philosophies, policy strategies and actions can guide Nigeria in the next 50years? The local centre of politics, economic and social affairs has increasingly been challenged by the global forces of our time. Reading through several of social commentaries on Nigeria’s affairs, especially in the internet these days, we commonly come across arguments such as Nigeria is a failed state, Nigeria is bound to split, Nigeria was founded on a wrong framework of colonial amalgamation in 1914 and Nigeria is a home of ethnic intolerance and marginalization. My take on all of these is that at least Nigerians have means; thanks to internet technology to air their views and channel to any direction such views can serve them. Ladies and gentlemen, we do not have to repeat the past but help bring ideas and debates to understand Nigeria and pragmatically build for the future. The urgent task of an intellectual like you in this conference centre is to make informed analysis and provide intellectual strategic ideas, tool logic and options, if you like offer a blended theory and application on how to make Nigeria work through engaged leadership and motivated participants in the challenged polity. Within Africa, how is Nigeria coming up in the way to the future? I welcome all of you – students, scholars, administrators, diplomats, community leaders and Nigeria Association of Alberta Board of Directors and members to this unique opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s 50th independence in addition to NAA’s 25 years of existence in Edmonton of Alberta serving our communities. I note that we have today gathered in this Conference Centre at Grant MacEwan University to do two excellent things. · To discuss our country Nigeria and contribute to building her for the future · To engage the leaders of NAA in a workshop to discuss the underlying challenges and opportunities to make NAA more relevant and more effective. I am happy your presence and brilliant participation will bring dynamism into the discourses. Several of us will present short and insightful papers. We will ask questions, make comments, share experiences and make propositions. This occasion will unfold to trail blaze, redefine and push the boundaries of nation building drawing from our fields and international presence. We hope to reshape the inter-cultural diaspora landscape in political, economic, social and administrative development to drive Nigeria to a new path. We will question African politics and community development and attempt to chronicle the ways in which African life, in particular, Nigerian culture and civilization have survived and need to grow and sustain Nigerian reality in the post-colonial world. That is why we are here – to debate and find approaches to address the multidimensional political and human administration in the emergent Nigeria in Africa. With the position of NAA on Nigeria, I am simply persuaded that we can contribute as we celebrate the challenges of forging Nigeria as a nation state. By facilitating the discussion, we are sure you will be rendering a thought provoking and achievable issues on Nigeria and Africa. Get prepared and give this colloquium the best ever. It will take the next 50 years to organize another Colloquium like this. Of course, any of us would have passed on to the next world to become big and small ancestors. If the leaders and political gladiators will but listen and follow through, the work of the scholar, diplomats, administrators, and community leaders will be simplified. Thank you.
The Paper Tiles and Abstracts 1. The Rewards of Excellence: High Achievement as a Means of Gaining National Clout Dr. Efa E. Etoroma Abstract: We live in a world in which “whiteness” as a social construct or position (and not as a skin color) is deemed to be superior to anything else and high achieving populations and, indeed, individuals have been classified as “honorary whites” regardless of their skin color. Based on the experiences of groups such as Jewish, Irish, and Ukrainian immigrants, I contend that Nigeria will be classified as and will enjoy the benefits of an “honorary white” nation if a large number of diasporan and other Nigerians continue to excel. Profile: Dr. Efa E. Etoroma is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Concordia University College of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. Nigerian born, Efa moved to Canada in 1978 and has lived in the provinces of Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. He received his PhD degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada and has published on aspects of Black life in Canada. Efa's current academic research interests include autoethnography, Black community building in Canada, and the social psychology of identity transformation among Blacks in Canada.
2. Governance & Social Contract in Nigeria: ‘Celebrating’ 50 Years of Disconnect Between Nigerian Leaders and the Citizens
Dr. Bede Eke
Abstract: The present paper identifies the three models of state-society relationships as it also articulates the pervading elements of disconnect between the leaders and the people of Nigeria as a result of the adopted model. The paper posits that Nigeria has operated a state-centered model in the relationship between the government and the people. As a consequence, people-oriented programs and citizens’ interests have taken the back-burner in government policies since the attainment of political independence. For a strategic solution to build and move the nation forward, this paper advances that a new comprehensive policy approach that ensures the relevance of the citizens’ voice and the consideration of citizens’ interests in political decision-making process be adopted as a matter of utmost urgency.
Profile: Dr. Bede Eke is a broad-chest social scientist and a Nigerian. He has studied both in Nigeria and USA. Bede Eke has a solid professional academic and research background in social Gerontology and Political Science. He holds a Ph.D in International Relations & Comparative Politics from Miami University, USA. Currently, Dr. Eke teaches sociology at University of Alberta, and political science at Grant MacEwan University. He lives with his family in Edmonton, Canada.
3. Nigeria at 50: Issues and Solutions
7. Protest or Criminality? The Politics of Kidnapping of Oil Workers in Nigeria
Temitope Oriola
Abstract: The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has gained world-wide attention in view of incessant kidnapping of foreign oil workers, vandalization of pipelines and offshore and onshore oil facilities by militant youth purportedly in protest against the marginalization of oil-producing communities. These incidents have contributed to the surge in prices of crude oil in the world market. This paper utilizes in-depth interviews with over 40 ex-militants, many of whom were engaged in kidnapping to analyze the intricacies of the upsurge in violence and criminality in the Niger Delta region. The paper draws on Eric Hobsbawm's concept of ‘social banditry’, and the notion of ‘contentious politics’ by Charles Tilly and his collaborators to explicate the phenomenon of kidnapping of oil workers in the Delta region. Keywords: ‘Contentious politics’, ‘Social banditry’, kidnapping, Niger Delta, Youth
Profile: Temitope Oriola is a Ph.D researcher (criminology) and Izaak Walton Killam Scholar in the Department of Sociology, University of Alberta Edmonton Canada. His on-going dissertation focus is on “Criminal Resistance? The Politics of Kidnapping of Oil Workers in Nigeria”. He was awarded an International Development Research Council (IDRC) Doctoral Research Grant in 2010. Oriola's works appear in refereed journals like Critical Studies on Terrorism, Canadian Journal of Youth and Family, Canadian Ethnic Studies (collaborative work), African Identities, among others. He is a member of the editorial board of the African Journal of Criminology & Justice Studies, an international peer-reviewed journal based in the United States.
8. Challenging the Unjust Structures of Governance through Pragmatic Ethical Approaches for Nigeria at 50
Fr. Joseph Ogbonna
Abstract: Challenging the unjust structures of governance demands nobility of life and standing firm for what we believe (in) and want to be. The paper is to provide ethical guidance and must begin to ask why and how we need to distance ourselves from ingratiating the structures that marginalize us. In addition, the question of religious violence and what politically and ethnically managed leadership can do to address religious intolerance, which scandalously orchestrates an impotent nation will be a desideratum to refocus Nigeria@50.
Profile: Fr. Joseph Ogbonna is a Catholic Priest and writes articles and social commentary for the nigeriaworld.com. e-mail: okeymbang1969@yahoo.com 9. Nigeria@50: The New Identity of a Post-Independence Nation Olumide Ogundipe (Doctorandi) Abstract: Nigeria is a country fraught with multiple meanings to which fullest attention has not been given by members of the Nigerian population within and outside the country. In my paper, I shall discuss the current identity of Nigeria by paying a close attention to the realities in which the country has been submerged since independence. In the end, I will suggest ways through which this identity could be turned around positively by attitudes of Nigerians – home and abroad – and their indigenous political leaders. Profile: Olumide Ogundipe is a Doctoral researcher and first year graduate instructor in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta. Also with a Master Degree in English from U of A, Ogundipe is currently writing a dissertation on the social critic of Nigeria by the third generation of Nigerian novels. He has a passionate interest in postcolonial literature and the relationship between the nation and the novel as a literary form to make change occur. 10. Reflecting with President Goodluck Jonathan’s Address to Nigeria@50 Independence Day Celebration on Oct. 1, 2010 at Abuja, Nigeria Dr. Patrick Iroegbu Abstract: To understand Nigeria is the beginning step to know where to go. The author provides to question what did President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria tell Nigerians given the 50th Independence Presidential Address? What sense can we make of it? How much did his address reveal and respond to Nigeria’s aspirations to build for the future? This paper takes a critical look at what it means to Nigerian and African nation states to celebrate at 50 years of attaining independence and how to follow through with conceiving and actualizing a future everyone can belong and contribute – at home and from the diaspora. Profile: Dr. Patrick Iroegbu is a social and cultural medical anthropologist and a published author of several books (e.g., Healing Insanity: A Study of Igbo Medicine in Contemporary Nigeria, 2010). He lectures anthropology at Grant MacEwan University. Dr. Iroegbu is also a community leader, an engaged social commentator and contributor to several website feature articles and columns. He co-ordinates the Kpim Book Series of Fr. Prof. Pantaleon Foundation at Owerri, Nigeria. Research interests include cultures, healing and development, migration, race and diaspora issues, interethnic and community relations in global centers as well as gender and feminism in a complex and changing society.
11. A Power-Point Clip of Nigeria at a Glance
Dr. Mike Afara Abstract: The power point clip by Dr. Patrick Iroegbu & adapted to The New Nigeria, 1960-2010, Golden Jubilee Edition, Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, Canada showed how Nigeria was colonized by Britain for about 400 years. And that Nigeria has existed for over 96 years but gained independence in October 1, 1960. Out of Nigeria’s 50 years of independence, the military ruled Nigeria for about 30 years and largely shaped the socio-economy and politics of the country. Military rule destroyed parliamentary democratic structures and processes and negated consensual or participatory development for a long period. For brevity, the power point gave the highlights of Nigeria’s national history from 1914 to 2010 in a table titled Highlights of Nigeria’s National History, 1914 – 2010. Directed by Idowu Ohioze Esq, significant moments in the history of Nigeria were given to understand her towards building for the future. Profile: Dr. Mike Afara is an Engineer with the Alberta Government and serves as the Communications Director of Nigeria Association of Alberta. Dr. Afara’s outstanding networking social skills to build cordial ethnic relations among Nigerians are well known. He is an engaged community person and lives with his family in Edmonton.
12. Prof. Mike Eze From the University of Manitoba, Prof. Mike Eze who was to give the keynote speech in the evening during the Banquet and cultural performances participated in the colloquium and appreciated what he saw. Yet he was moved to comment on the proceedings of the colloquium. In his feedback words, he wrote:
“I write to congratulate you on and for the grand occasion you guys put together last Saturday (Nigeria @ 50; and NAA's 25th anniversary). It was kind of you to have invited me to be part of it as the Keynote Speaker. The colloquium you personally organized was very well done and had, as presenters, some of the sharpest young minds that Nigeria could have. Congratulations once again.”
13. Other speakers and reactions from the floor, etc. were noted. The Vote of thanks from Dr. Adenike Yesufu who lectures at Concordia University and Grant MacEwan University capped it all by saying what an amazing gathering and initiative among Nigerians in Edmonton to do what have done today? Nigeria is blessed to have you and hopefully the papers will build up a terrific book as a contribution to Nigeria@50. I have taken special interest to articulate this piece to bring forward the notion that Nigeria is a nation where things can be done. Restoring the vision and mission of the Nigeria’s founding fathers is a task everyone can be engaged with. The colloquium, the first of its kind in Edmonton among Nigerians, not only excited Nigerians but also challenged them to think and work together. It called for their unflinching support. It created the opportunity and an enabling environment for it. Therefore, the most important goal it hoped to endorse in the exercise was first of all to enable Nigerian scholars, students, researchers, administrators, leaders and workers of all categories to gather and have a highly organized spirited debate about Nigeria and re-building Nigeria up for the future. It welcomed all perspectives, experiences and multiple views on the issue of Nigeria. It documented all the views raised and will publish them in a book to be titled Nigeria and NAA: Issues, Voices and Approaches to an Engaged Nation, Life, Opportunity and Innovation as part of our contribution to the 50th anniversary. The colloquium meant things when it echoed “Do not stay at home when you should come out and speak and be heard. That it is time for making a difference by inclusion and participation in the things that affect us – hence bringing home and committing democracy to a meaningful work. We invite papers (5 to 10 pages in word document to be sent to The Co-ordinator: nigeriafocusmagazine@gmail.com) from all and sundry to build this knowledge process of rebuilding Nigeria. Follow the pattern as in the paper titles and abstracts as above.
The Banquet and Cultural Performances The second part of the day, Oct. 23, 2010 was held at Northgate Seniors Lion’s Centre in Edmonton of Alberta, well attended and well entertaining. I have never attended an occasion where Nigeria could be so well decorated in balloons, posters, souvenirs, tables, glasses, plates, chairs, foods, the two giant cakes (Nigeria@ & NAA@25), including drinks, speeches, fashion show, dances, the bar, and all else. The Nigerian High Commissioner from Ottawa added pageantry and eloquence to the show through his deputy. The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Mike Eze did his intellectual social thing in a big way. A captivating moment came when an Alumni of the University of Nigeria Nsukka offered to form an Allumunus Chapter of UNN following a recent ceremony in Atlanta where the big shots of the UNN gathered and made history and called on all other cities to follow and send development home, in particular to UNN to restore the dignity of the university and that of humanity in general in Nigeria. Let me proudly congratulate all those who participated in the Colloquium of the year in Canada for Nigeria@50 in Edmonton and NAA@25 respectively. By participating and contributing, you have nicely inscribed your name in gold and silver of the moment and like the founders of Nigeria and NAA, your support and contribution will germinate and grow Nigeria with opportunity, inclusion and security for a better future. For as I know, beliefs breed ideas and ideas fashion development strategies and strategies make actions work. Let our leaders listen and re-invent Nigeria to which we all can belong and contribute. This is end of October, 2010, happy Nigeria at 50, and happy NAA at 25.
Conclusion Let me desperately and carefully conclude the piece by aligning with the dreams and fantasies of the Nigerian founding fathers for Nigeria as a nation which are huge to capture in any form of verbal expression or in writing. Those founding fathers made sacrifices and compromises to unite Nigeria and govern Nigeria in line with decisions and politics they made and played. According to President Jonathan Goodluck’s Independence Day address to the nation, “Our founding fathers sought a government of character, which seeks justice to her citizens as our national anthem so eloquently describes: One Nation Bound in Freedom, Peace and Unity. However, today, the opinion of many Nigerians is that these dreams and expectations have not been fulfilled. Not only have people despaired about the slow pace of progress, some have in fact given up on the country. Some believe that if the colonial masters had stayed longer, Nigeria may have been the better for it.” That Nigeria is celebrating at 50 is a golden moment to re-examine Nigeria in the light of the dreams of our founding fathers and the current dreams, aspirations and challenges of the governing sons and daughters of Nigeria – who are the descendants of the forefathers. As we examine Nigeria’s past, let us build on the future and avoid the mistakes that made Nigerians despair on her. The task is, indeed, for everyone, but the “everyone question” of involvement is a task that must be directed by the leadership. Enduring democratic leadership will surely engage Nigerians in an enduring sense of belongingness and representation. In the light of the colloquium that brought scholars and leaders together at Grant MacEwan University, our take on Nigeria is “together, we can make a difference!” Our leaders as Dr. Iroegbu has tried to show in this story need to take charge and commit to achieving results for all. |