The Nigerian Dream

Happy Independence Day Nigeria!

Few independent words…

Many have lamented that there is nothing like the Nigerian Dream or questioned the authenticity of the dream or provided demented definitions of the dream…

Today, the nation woke up to some comparisons from the no 1 Man.

The scriptures says

“comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (words are from the scriptures)

This buttresses the basic fact that comparisons are never accurate.

The Fuel price comparison,
The comparisons between our fuel pricing and that of other countries are out of place.

The standards of living, economic development, the terrain of the different oil industries, the volume of oil production among others are not the same and as such any direct comparison between countries cannot be accurate!

On several grounds, I have reasons to even believe the Naira exchange rate to the dollar does not reflect the true state of the two currencies/economies, either in mindset or literally( I think both)

As we clock 60,

Let’s redefine the Nigerian Dream to be a bit more ‘selfish’

Why?
There is a popular saying that ‘ what belongs to all belongs to none’

It is significantly harder to make systems work, if the individual players don’t have that ownership mentality.

A cue from the club footballing

Fans of each club would go to just about any length to ensure that their team gets the best of support -they buy their merch, tickets and even send in cash donations.

If a similar approach is taken as Nigerians on behalf of our ‘beloved’ country we might see the changes.

If there would be any Nigerian Dream, it will be forged from the fires of individual passion and desire to do things in a better way!

A cue from the American dream
The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone. The American Dream is achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, rather than by chance.

This is not an attempt at comparison, but the American system is one that can be said to be known for what it has stood for over the years. And there is no part of their dream where the government is called upon as the only player.

Related: The Business of Everything

Lastly,

I reckon that, there is a minimum acceptable value that the government is expected to deliver before a lot of things can fall in place, and it can be significantly harder to thrive of these pedestals are not in place.

However, this has not stopped Nigerians from building successful businesses and live lives that can be called successful.

We need to individually define the Nigerian Dream according to the dictates of our present level and
Carefully map out how we are set to get out of the third world barrier and hold no bitterness as we do so.

At this critical point,
The dream is personal, the obligation is mutual and the goal is one – To see Nigeria become great again!

God bless Nigeria!