[b]Real re-branding Nigeria needs
By Toyin Odewunmi[/b]Published: Monday, 14 May 2007
The article titled, “Encasing a new wine in a new bottle,” in The Punch of March 23, 2007 compelled me to flip over the coin in oder to get a clearer picture. The name ‘Nigeria’ was bestowed upon our naivety by the British colonialists. Yet, to say that the name has oulived its relevance is not acceptable.

How many of us change our names when things aren’t going right in our lives? We simply focus on the problems and find means of solving them. The same goes for Nigeria. Things are going downhill but if we seriously cast our minds back, we’ll find that our problems as a nation go beyond our name. Imagine a Nigeria now called “Sunnyland,” what difference would it make? Would it erase corruption? Would it stop human trafficking? Would this new name change our terrible international image?

Imagine a citizen of “Sunnyland” (formerly known as Nigeria) wanting to travel abroad for legitimate reasons. Do you think just because his passport bears the new country’s name, he will not be subjected to the same scrutinity particularly conducted on the nationals of “Sunnyland” when they travel?

It is not a lie to say that the leadership of this country has failed us. They promise and fail, they lie to get their sticky fingers on the money. Yes, they cheat the poor and easily get away with serious artrocities because Nigeria is a place where wrong is right and right is wrong. However, good leadership cannot be effective without good followership. Have we good followers in this country? We heap blames on the government over every wrong. The government is our househelp, our cleaner, driver and even cook!

The Nigerian situation goes beyond leaving things for the government to do. What are you doing to make this country better? Does patriotism flow in your veins? Are you one of those who say it’s a waste of time to vote because your candidate might never win? He/she might not win but a journey of a thousand mile starts with one step.

True, the name ‘Nigeria’ is synonymous with fraud, yahoo-yahoo and all sorts. Yet the solution lies in the hearts and homes of the people. Whatever you call Niegria today, if things don’t change internally, “Sunnyland” or whichever name suits your preference, will always remain a dark nation with dark-minded people.

It is true that having a new name has brought changes to companies like the UAC, which is now Unilever, but Nigeria is a nation comprising varying tribes and tongues. Therefore, situations might actually vary. Indeed, Nigeria needs a re-branding but it is our hearts that need a new image and projection. People should learn that criticism will not achieve much. Joining forces to ensure a better nation is the key to our growth. I once heard a joke that Nigeria has over 140 million coaches but just one technical adviser.

Traffic worsens each day and we are all too ready to blame the government. Yet the problem lies in the mad rush we all seem to be making which sadly gets us nowhere on time. Observe the attitude of some people to traffic rules and you’d find the truth. Injustice has eaten deep into the core of this country, but how many of us can boldly stand for the truth at all times in all situations? Sadly enough, young people boast of following the principle of I chop, you chop.

Before accusing the leaders, evaluate your stand as a fellow Nigerian. Are you a good ambassador? Whether we like it or not, our image is dependent on our attitude to this call. Whatever we make of this country is what it will become.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200705142393898

let us as a people learn to address problems logically not to start calling for Name change, break up, change in revenue sharing simply because we are face difficulties as a nation. for it is the containt of the bottle that is the  poisons not the body of the bottle.

I strongly believe that Nigeria well rise again no matter what the people are saying now. Name change or no Name change