Nigeria turns 60 on October 1, 2020. In a way, this might be too early for a birthday card. However, the recurrent, unresolved challenges prevalent in Nigeria appear to stem from the proliferation of a prolific regressive value system. In other words, it’s not the ruling lieutenants that are the cause of Nigeria’s numerous problems, neither are they to be exonerated from them. They are the products of a system that has festered for 60 years - an evergreen, vicious virus that will continue to reoccur in different faces unless extinguished. The reason for this common pattern is what is really at fault.
These are lofty words. I agree.

Here are the main points:
In acquainting yourself with the force of social culture, it’s important to be reminded that as humans, we have a deep need to move and operate within social groups. As a member of a social group, an individual will typically conform to the culture of the social group they find ourselves in, either environmentally or virtually. All individuals to some degree, yield to the societal values of the social structure they find themselves in.
Social force in itself is neither positive nor negative. However, if it’s not continuously observed and appraised, it could either morph into a thriving social culture where diversity is celebrated and value is credited or, into a systemic rot where ass-kissing is exalted and value undervalued. The latter is a more natural occurrence. As in our case.
I have identified three ways our social culture is running down Nigeria, depleting lives, time and resources.
1. Us vs them
Tribalism is as old and ruthless as they come but coupled with technology, it becomes darn mayhem. Our current social culture embraces tribalism. While the inherent nature of the members of any social group is to protect the interest of the group and demonize all outsiders, during unpredictable times such as these, collaboration and co-operation will richly serve all parties. All the four sides of Nigeria - North, South, East and West have something valuable to offer. In ways, we exist to support and collaborate, not terrorize, hoard and constantly drag each other on twitter.
Fortunately, a new breed of fresh thinking Nigerians are increasingly advocating for tribal tolerance. However, having a Yoruba friend as an Igbo is a far cry from the systematic change required for Yorubas and Igbos to co-create together on a massive scale. Understand, if there’s a fire in the North, the wind will inevitably blow smoke to the South. When we admit that our differences are illusionary, only then do we appreciate how connected we all are.
2. Pebbling Mediocrity
When value is undervalued, mediocrity rises to the challenge. In this regard, we are all guilty, finger-pointing –though it feels good – is lame. Understand, it’s not merely about the ruling lieutenants, for if they relinquish their positions, hungrier beasts will rise to the feast. Each cycle more vicious than the former. The problem is the dysfunctional social culture. Nigeria’s largely dysfunctional culture permits confusion, hysteria, and the wide adoption of the scarcity mentality. It doesn’t help that there’s widespread poverty; a fruit, with seedlings bearing eviler repercussions.
In such hysteria, individuals- you and me - become obsessed with our interests and agendas, and form cults to secure our positions. Picture a hungry leprechaun over a pot of coins.
With cohorts more concerned about their status and riches, their egos swell to bursting point, pleading for leakers. In this contentious atmosphere, those who excel at licking, schmoosing and politicking will inevitably rise to the top like hot dough, while the forward-thinking group will be left fighting for survival or fade into the abyss of dead dreams. This doesn’t only occur in politics. It is at the heart of the economy penetrating core industries.
Hint: it’s the “Nigerian factor” everyone jokes about.
3. Jungle Warriors/Keypad Warriors
Like babies, highly sensitive to the moods and emotions of the mother, as part of a social group, we’re highly pruned to pick up on the thoughts and emotions of other people. Give it up for twitter!
Long story short, every time you rant about Nigeria online, you trigger a spiral movement of nerve-racking emotions. Not to defeat the purpose of free speech, however, the knowledge of this help you identify cohorts who intend on prompting your emotions, and possible demise using propaganda.
On the flip side, this also means we can instil a feeling of patriotism amongst Nigerians. We’ve seen this in the past: the relentless defence of the Nigerian jollof rice, the national admiration of the hunky Anthony Joshua and the occasional “reminder of our prominence” to other Africans often attempt to notify us of our epileptic electricity supply… like we can’t feel the heat.
I think of Paris often, never visited, hope to visit soon. Over the years, I’ve been sold the story about Paris through media. Here’s a job for the media: we can implant subtle cues about Nigeria to Nigerians and foreigners. Someone’s got to tell our story, we might as well do a reasonable job at it.
This brings me to the final main point.
Mirrors are incredible at reflecting our non-performance. In creating systemic change, the minutest change can trigger a long-term ripple effect. Just before the good ones don’t shout doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
We can bring about systemic change- I’m adequately checking my motivational tone – by small, incremental cultural reforms. Beginning with our families, then to the workplace, and especially when identifying the social groups we belong to. As explained already, a good apple among rotten apples will rot fast.
Why is this important?
Healthy social groups instil in individuals the drive to pursue communal purpose- often, innovative and life-altering purpose. Organizations where value is rewarded over mediocrity, inevitable weed out the weeds and attract the resourceful. They cooperate more and learn from each other. In such groups, humans develop greater empathy and access the sweet juice of diversity. It is our duty as enlightened humans to create as many such groups as possible, making our society healthier in the process.
What’s the point of this article (Aka rant)?
If it made you think for a second, then purpose served.

This whole article stemmed from brainstorming how to package and make educative content more attractive to the mass Nigerian market. It was also inspired by Robert Greene’s The Laws of Human Nature.

A mentally stimulating write up which calls for introspection.

Nigeria is a cesspit no thanks to the mindset of leaders and followers alike.

Most people playing ostrich to the truth by burying their heads in the sands of hypocrisy and ignorance.