There are lot of factors that impedes Sustainable Development in Nigeria but today’s focus is on ignorant things Nigerians do that hinders development in Nigeria.
1. Entitlement Mentality
A good number of Nigerians feel entitled to certain things without working hard for them. It is amusing when trying to develop a community buying setting up a business venture or developing properties, you still get to settle youths and some groups in the community simply because they are INDIGENES and you have to pay homage to them. Likewise some fans who beg celebrities for money and other goodies; when they (fans) don’t get the desired attention, they resort to insults and curses. How can we grow as a nation when people are not willing to work hard but are ready to interrupt other’s progress?
2. Voting Leaders Due To Petty Reasons:
“Awwn! He comes from a humble background.” “Let’s vote her, she is the first woman to ever contest for this position.” “He schooled in Harvard.” “This man is from my community”. “Let’s vote him, it is high time we had an Igbo President.” “He is the youngest candidate” “The man is so cute”. Aspiring leaders should be voted based on their Strong and Impactful Leadership Profile; their Positive Impact on the Common Man; and their contribution to Sustainable Development/Humanity in Nigeria.
3. Contributing To Underdevelopment:
I know the government have much influence in Nigeria’s development but citizens also have a role to play. Example – We complain of flood, but it is citizens who block drainages with dirts thrown indiscriminately on the streets. Government don’t want to provide jobs but you are reluctant to develop yourself with the right skills to become a ‘hot cake’ in the labour market.
4. Violating Rules And Regulations:
Most Nigerians find it difficult to obey rules and regulations except when a heavy penalty is attached to it. If we find it hard to obey simple traffic rules, how then do you think Nigeria can achieve that desired growth when her citizens can’t even follow simple order without a penalty attached to it?
5. Attaching RELIGION To Everything:
It is saddening to hear that we have more religious centres than industries in Nigeria. Many shout ‘AMEN’ to prophetic declaration without working for such prophecies to come to pass. We have become extremist of our religion, thus, preventing our brains to work and allowing our religious sentiments to inform our decisions. God has a reason He gave man a brain. If we keep praying without working, we’ll keep on complaining and development in Nigeria will continually regress.
6. Converting Serious Issues To Jokes:
I know jokes are good to lighten up a sad/negative mood but too much of everything is bad. It’s high time we reduced the rate we create jokes/memes about sensitive issues and corrupt practices on social media. Let us take advantage of social media in exposing and condemning silly acts of the government as well as advocating for economic growth and better living condition. The way we react to sensitive issues in Nigeria determines and influences the way our leaders rule us.
If we fail to heed to the aforementioned points, development in Nigeria will continue to be in regress mode.