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HOW CAN NIGERIANS TAKE BACK THEIR COUNTRY?

HOW CAN NIGERIANS TAKE BACK THEIR COUNTRY?

Nigeria is neither a zoo nor a concentration camp; neither is the country a jungle. Describing the country as such no matter the provocation is ill-informed, ill-advised and ill-time.

 Nigeria is a country that has fallen on hard times, one abused by successive governments, which is now crying out for citizens to reclaim it.

The government has been as stubborn as a mule over the situation in Rivers State where it declared a state of emergency last month with a sole administrator sworn in and carrying on as if it has any legal powers when the whole arrangement smirks of illegality and lawlessness.

As a result of the situation, which is not isolated, the Take Back Nigeria Movement has announced a nationwide protest for April 7. It takes a combined optimism of resistance, resilience and positive rebellion to see through the debris that sweeps Nigeria today. There is an epidemic of hopelessness that engulfs everyday Nigerians when they think about the institutions of government. Key institutions like the judiciary, the police, the legislature, long considered bulwarks against creeping autocracy from the executive, appear to have caved in, becoming very active and complicit in the conspiracy against Nigerians.

Every day in Nigeria evinces fresh, forceful anger. Suddenly, people who were primary school pupils in the days when innocuous songs belted out with childish glee and abandon on assembly grounds promised them leadership of a coruscating future have become today’s young people. Broke, broken and battered on the increasingly treacherous terrain that Nigeria has become, all their hackles are out, and they are spoiling for war.

The many promises made to them have failed to materialize; the dreams the country encouraged them to harbour many years ago have become their nightmare, and everywhere they look in the country, it is darkness they see.

They fill the streets and spill their anger. The streets of social media are not spared either. When many Nigerians including financially stable ones suddenly pack up and leave the country never to return, they are more than just ‘exiles’ driven over their borders by dark clouds of uncertainty. Like broken cisterns, they carry hopes fast dimming that a country they have loved but lost can work again. Ever.

These Nigerians often leave with stories of a home that suddenly became too hostile and hopes that became too heavy.

Because there is no place like home, wherever they go too, they remember home even if they would rather renounce the citizenship of the country than return. The loudest peals of the warning bells that it is getting too late to recover Nigeria may yet come from the fact that many of those who once believed in Nigeria have seen their hopes eviscerated on the altar of harsh reality vanished.

 Facing the unvarnished truth that they may never see much of a difference in their lifetime, they are packing their belongings and broken hearts and making the voyage to other countries. The allure for them lies not only in the lush green pastures but in the promise of putting their broken dreams for a better country behind them and, crucially, for their children, tender, or unborn.

How can Nigerians take back their country from the forces of dysfunction, disrepair, and disunity? What biases and prejudices do Nigerians need to shed to rally round their beleaguered country? How do Nigerians begin the decidedly difficult journey of redeeming their country from the forces of chaos and corruption?

It begins from resolve. As one, Nigerians must resolve around a common goal. They must maintain a laser focus on the goal. It means binning distractions and ignoring all those who would want to distract and disband them using ethnic and religious designs.

Taking back the country means sacrifice. Sacrifice will be required to bear a broken and bruised country over the border of redemption.

Nigerians should coalesce together and congeal their thoughts and actions into breaking out of the endless cycles of retrogression they are seemingly fated to spin in forever.

A protest may flicker out as many others have done before it, but consistency over a long period will be key for a country that needs effective solutions fast.

Kene Obiezu,

keneobiezu@gmail.com

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Nigeria is neither a zoo nor a concentration camp; neither is the country a jungle. Describing the country as such no matter the provocation is ill-informed, ill-advised and ill-time.  Nigeria is a

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 SAFEGUARDING THE WELFARE OF LAGOSIANS

 SAFEGUARDING THE WELFARE OF LAGOSIANS

 Inclusive governance is assured in Lagos, reckons LATEEF BAKARE

The continued development and advancement in the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos State has been reiterated by Governor Babjide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Under his watch, religious harmony is strengthened, and all interests are well taken care of. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positively impact the lives of Lagos residents through purposeful governance.

 The governor made this pledge during a special Eid-el-Fitr celebration held at the Lagos House in Marina. The event, organized by the First Family of Lagos State in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, was themed, “My Lord, Indeed I Am, for Whatever Good You Would Send Me, in Need”.

The occasion provided an opportunity for the governor to express his appreciation to the Muslim community in Lagos, recognizing their commitment, and unwavering support for the state government, assuring them that his administration would continue working towards the betterment of all Lagosians while promoting peace, unity, and religious harmony.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time of gratitude, spiritual reflection, and communal unity. He noted that the festival marks the end of Ramadan, a period of intense devotion, fasting, and prayers, and called on all Muslims to uphold the values of compassion, generosity, and self-discipline that Ramadan promotes.

“I am happy you all came out today to celebrate with us. We thank all our Muslim brothers and sisters. We are thankful to all of you for your belief in our government. I pray that God Almighty will continue to keep us in peace and unity,” the governor said.

He extended his gratitude to religious leaders in the state for their continued support and contributions towards fostering peace and development. He assured them that his government remains committed to delivering policies and initiatives that will improve the quality of life of every Lagos resident.

“We thank all our religious leaders for supporting us, and we promise you that we will continue to deliver a purposeful governance that will touch your lives. Our faith will continue to be renewed year in, year out. We will continue to witness many Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. We will join you for another Ramadan next year,” he added.

One of the key points Governor Sanwo-Olu addressed was the health and safety of prospective Hajj pilgrims. With preparations for the 2025 Hajj already underway, he advised intending pilgrims to ensure they are in good health before embarking on the sacred journey to Mecca.

“By May, those traveling to Mecca will begin their journey. We pray they go and return in peace. I want to appeal to those who don’t have good health to refrain from traveling for the 2025 Hajj,” the governor advised.

This advisory underscores the Lagos State government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens, ensuring that only those who are medically fit undertake the physically demanding pilgrimage.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, also addressed the gathering, and urged residents to continue  to express gratitude to Almighty Allah for their personal growth and the collective development of Lagos State. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the lessons learned during Ramadan and translating them into daily acts of kindness and compassion.

“Show empathy, show compassion, be good to your neighbors, and continue to have faith in Almighty Allah’s goodness,” he encouraged.

His remarks reinforced the need for Lagosians to embrace unity and social responsibility, emphasizing that the well-being of society depends on individual contributions to communal harmony and development.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also addressed the congregation, urging residents to prioritize compassion and charity, particularly towards the less privileged. She emphasized that Eid-el-Fitr is not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need.

“As we partake in the celebration, let us remember the less privileged amongst us, extend a helping hand to those in need, and ensure that the spirit of giving and sharing remains at the core of our daily lives,” she stated.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu further stressed that true worship is not only about performing religious rituals but is also reflected in how people treat one another and contribute to the betterment of society. She called on Lagosians to renew their faith in Nigeria and remain steadfast in their prayers for the nation’s progress.

“True worship goes beyond ritual. It reflects in how we treat one another and how we contribute to the betterment of our state and nation beyond today’s gathering,” she said.

A highlight of the event was the lecture delivered by Dr. Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy from Lagos State University of Education, Oto/Ijanikin. His speech, titled “My Lord, Indeed I Am, for Whatever Good You Would Send Me, in Need” (Quran 28:24), focused on the trials of life and the importance of unwavering faith in God.

Dr. Ar-Riyardy emphasized that challenges are natural part of life and that believers must remain steadfast in their faith. He discouraged Muslims from cursing their leaders and advised them to avoid actions that could distance them from Allah’s grace.

“Today’s lecture is about trials of life and how to maintain our faith in God. No matter the challenges, we shouldn’t curse our leaders; we should avoid sins that will take us away from Almighty Allah’s grace,” he remarked.

The Lagos State government, under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, has consistently emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and community development. The state has a long history of supporting religious activities and ensuring that both Muslim and Christian communities coexist peacefully.

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, in his vote of thanks, urged Muslims to continue living according to the tenets of Islam. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a society built on moral values, mutual respect, and inclusivity.

The 2024 Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Lagos served as a reminder of the importance of faith, unity, and responsible governance. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s assurances of continued development, his health advisory for prospective Hajj pilgrims, and the calls for compassion and social responsibility from other speakers highlighted the administration’s dedication to the welfare of all Lagosians.

As Lagos continues to grow and evolve, events like this reinforce the need for collective efforts in building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous society. The governor’s promise to maintain purposeful governance and the emphasis on religious harmony provide hope for a future where all residents can thrive regardless of their background.

The gathering was not just a celebration but also a call to action—for individuals to contribute positively to their communities, for leaders to remain accountable, and for everyone to uphold the values of faith, kindness, and resilience in the face of challenges.

 Bakare writes from Surulere, Lagos

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 Inclusive governance is assured in Lagos, reckons LATEEF BAKARE The continued development and advancement in the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos State has been reiterated by Governor Babjide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Under