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Hi guys, check this out

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-788920.0.html

The revolution we need

The world, of recent, has witnessed quite a number of revolutions in quick succession. Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Greece etc. To a large extent, these revolutionaries have been able to some change and have received praise from different quarters. They have also been a source of inspiration to many in other third-world countries and ideas of revolution keep cropping up in diverse places. Today, a question, based on such an idea, was on the homepage of Nairaland.

Thinking of the level of devastation seen in the countries that have witnessed these revolutions makes me sad. Of a truth, the oppression under which they lived was great; however, everything comes at a cost. Listed below are some of the "costs" of these revolutions:
• Displacement of families, individuals, whole communities etc.
• End to means of livelihood (people could not go about their normal businesses)
• Wanton destruction, devastation, crime, raping, mugging, revenge killings etc.
• Loss of personal earnings (banks go down with the economy, buildings get bombed to the ground, certificates get razed by fire, lost and so on)
• People (civilians / noncombatants) die en masse from attacks, are used as human shields, die in forced migrations in uncomfortable conditions.
• The "future" sought becomes more elusive and greater uncertainty is introduced into an already unpleasant situation by the absence of amenities and unsafe living conditions, in-fighting and civil disturbances that are inevitable follow-up to bloody revolution.

I feel so sorry for those who live (and lived) in these countries.

Coming back home and thinking about Nigeria, I asked myself these questions:
Do we need this in Nigeria?
Do we want this loss of lives and property and the uncountable troubles that follow it (bearing in mind that a lot of inter-tribal bashing/hatred displayed by Nairalanders stem from a civil war fought long before most of these Nairalanders were born)?
If the leadership of Nigeria needs to be removed, who would be the "better" replacement? (This fundamental issue alone is yet to be resolved in the "revolution countries"
Shall all the politicians elected into the houses senate, parliament and representatives be replaced too? Who will replace them?
How can revolutionists ensure that they are not led by "new thieves" after the revolution?

Why don't we retrace our steps rather than toy with the idea of jumping the uncertain chasm?

The revolution we need:
• A revolution that will be sure and all encompassing, without needless loss of lives, reaching every nook and cranny of the nation.
• A revolution that will not be devised by power-hungry people with the sole aim of taking control of the polity for selfish gain.
• A revolution that will ensure that public money is neither stolen and nor spent for personal purposes by people in government, directors of companies and corporations and the local artisans that secure contract from local governments.
• A revolution that ensures that policemen are not able to extort 50 naira from drivers because people refuse to pay them.
• A revolution that will ensure that the products of our educational institutions have real knowledge/expertise in their fields of study (as a result of reduced examination malpractice).
• A revolution that ensures that individuals do not defraud the government/citizenry by not evading tax.
• A revolution that ensures that manufactured food products and drugs are not contaminated/expired because the monitoring agencies work efficiently.
• A revolution that ensures that people are not encouraged to steal public funds to buy chieftaincy titles ( when people refuse to "worship" the rich )
• A revolution in which people will stop selling their votes for bags of rice or garri or paltry sums of money.
• A revolution that reduces how much online and offline fraud could be perpetuated in Nigeria (when Bank managers refuse to collude with "Yahoo boys" and Cybercafé owners decline to look the other way when their customers use the computers for fraudulent activities)
• A revolution that ensures that public facilities/ amenities are treated with the care we would give to our personal properties (so much that people abstain from littering streets, willful damage of water taps and pipes/oil pipes.
• A revolution that makes parents bring up their children responsibly and with proper care and guidance, being such good role models for the kids that they are discouraged from becoming street urchins/hoodlums.
• A revolution in which ritual killings and lawlessness are reduced in the rural and urban areas
• A revolution in which every community has every basic amenity required for the education and empowerment of residents for personal, communal and societal development.
• A revolution in which people in executive positions in government lead and act responsibly with transparency and good intentions and the people in other arms of government are equally responsible and serve as adequate and dependable "check and balance" to the executive.
• A revolution through which Nigeria will be better and all her people will really enjoy being Nigerians.

If this is what we need then IT CANNOT BE REALIZED by the kind of revolution witnessed in the Arab Spring.

It will only happen when everyone is conscious and responsible with his/her actions and position in the society, when we take our own part in making our immediate community a good (or even better) part of Nigeria. This is the kind of revolution Nigeria needs. It is more than enough to rescue the nation and place it on the pathway to real prosperity. Everyone has a role to play.

IT STARTS WITH YOU!

For those that find it strange, all u need to know is that culture differs from place to place and it's neither strange nor absurd so long as it is accepted by those that practice it (since it's neither illegal nor inhuman).

The Yorubas place a very high premium on showing respect to elders (not just the aged but everyone who is older than one is). This is the significance of prostrating and kneeling when greeting and in some other situations too. I strongly believe that it has nothing to do with Isreal or biblical cultures/religion.

For those that want the link, please check

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20061002624695

I am unbiased.

@OP, I am very happy that fellow Nigerians are seeing that the solution to the myriads of problems assailing us is in tackling them ourselves.

I will suggest that you contact the Police PR or the other numbers given but don't use your number or any number you've used to contact your people. Buy a new SIM card and dedicate it to the purpose. Avoid any physical contact with police officers. You can secretly take pictures and upload them to a picture sharing website (or if a video to you-tube) but don't register with your real names. Give the link to these pictures or videos to the Police Officers you contact on phone.

I have had some close brushes with Nigerian Police and I know that they can be brutal f they want to.

God bless you real good

Not corrupt,

Interesting thoughts from you.

In life, we find satisfaction in doing what we wish to do.

1. You are not mad to think that way. It's perfectly reasonable. I will follow suit when I am ready too.

2. A lot of challenges await you (naturally).

Firstly, business/Career/Professional challenges: You'd face difficulties in whatever u want to do. Be it to start-up a tech company or work for a big company (given your personal principles) but you will eventually carve out a niche for yourself and succeed. I know a lot of people that succeeded and made it wealthy without being steeped in crime or corruption. There are also some workplaces where such activities are reduced.

Secondly, personal challenges: Even if you like moderation in your lifestyle, you will still have issues with settling down (depending on how long you've spent outside of the country). Expect bad roads, crazy/unqualified drivers, irregular power supply (even in the best of places), lesser aesthetics (not so clean and beautiful environments) in your neighborhood, workplace and everywhere, extended family issues (depending on how close you are to them and how well you manage your relationships) etc

3. Income to expect? You need to tread softly. Sincerely, there are jobs that can pay you that much even Cadbury (I knew people that worked there and got nearly as much), the Oil and Gas Industry is a good fishing ground, some IT companies can also be considered. However, in my own opinion, it is better not to think of it like it is in the US or UK. It's a different ball game. You need a different approach - You need to count your costs (as exhaustively as possible), if possible contact a trustworthy friend in Nigeria (or that is conversant with current trends in Nigeria) and think of your costs and expectations in Nigerian terms (current prices in Nigeria). You can get a N1.5M (starting) per month job and enjoy yourself quite well in 9ja. If I was in your shoes (but I am not yet), I would not be thinking of settling down for an employment but I'd rather strategise to start a company (given your extent of knowledge and experience) it's a tougher route but it's more profitable and satisfying.

There is need for caution and planning. I will suggest that you save substantial money before you take the leap and, also, have a plan B. I have some hints that can be helpful:
1. Keep your moderate lifestyle (it'll help to cut some costs)
2. Buy a house (or build one, if you have the time) in Lagos (since you want to settle there) rather than mortgage one.
3. Get a good car.
4. Reactivate your previous contacts and network with people (it matters a lot) in 9ja.
5. Pray for God's help and for success and do not be discouraged.
6. Think it through and time it well. Don't go until after the elections - the terrain's rough now.
7. Prepare for some "shock" on re-entry (despite the fact that it's your country. A lot has changed)
8. If you want to start a business, feel the environment first. For instance cloud computing can face very difficult times in Nigeria cos most people and SMEs don't buy original software.
9. As the decision is ultimately yours, mind the Nairaland advice you follow. Think it through and research on your moves.

I pray that you succeed. I will definitely return too.

@Privy so

* what are you going to do in the next five years to make nigeria what it is?
* Will you go out on a limb for us and march on the national assembly?
* how exactly will you do it while maintaining your day job too and achieving all those personal targets?

not trying to dampen your enthusiasm but I am interested in what answers you and the others will give to those questions.

Thanks guys and my sincere apology to kodewrita for taking some time in answering your questions.

What am I am going to do for Nigeria in the next five years -
1. I have already stopped thinking negatively about her. Thus I will start thinking positively about her.
2. I will start encouraging others to think and act to positively towards Nigerians and Nigeria.
3. A part of my personal income and the profit of my company proceeds (I will start one soon) will be used to develop some part of Nigera (as a private initiative) without profiting from the effort.
4. I have personally renounced every illegality and keep encouraging people to do things the right way.
5. I believe that professionals can play a big role in changing Nigeria. I will keep rallying those I meet in life to participating in changing Nigeria starting from themselves.
6. I will definitely go back to Nigeria.

On the second question, I cannot be able to do that since I am not currently in Nigeria. However, I will keep influencing anyone I know and I will ensure my company is as straight as it can be(i.e devoid of corruption and corrupt practices).

The third question, I think, is partly answered in the first paragraph above. I believe in achieving results and I want to meet my personal targets, but I will definitely avoid anything that hs to do with corruption and dishonesty.

I wish other NairaLanders ( and other Naigerians ) will take on this challenge and see what can happen to Nigeria. It may even take longer than five years but I believe we can make a positive change.

Thanks you so much friends.

Our will determines out action. If I am resolved to have things remain as they are, that is what will likely happen. If people have no drive to change things, then 5 years from now, Nigeria is likely to remain in the state it is today.
5/10 years ago, the people proclaimed they were ready for change but the same people did nothing but act in a manner that allowed the status quo to continue. So, like many have said, not until Nigerians resolve to change their own selves, and ultimately desire change, will we move forward. We have almost always had the resources, manpower, skills and intelligence needed to move Nigeria from third world living to developed/advanced nation status. What is left is for the people, in the majority, to actually want this change.

Gbam! (like some people say). I have been telling myself that there is a better future for nigerians if we are willing, determined and actively involved in creating it. The majority of comments have to a large extent reassured me that I am not alone inthinking that way. It is unarguably true that we have a big problem as a result corrupt leadership but I think, like you also pointed out, that we have a big part of the solution inside of us (all nigerians).
In my opinion, in the next five years, Nigeria has the potential for great development but all the development cannot be expected from government. I think individuals can make way for some growth without political posts, professionals can leverage on their ability to create some positive change, workers (in the private and public enterprises) can endeavour to be more conscientious, dutiful and positive minded. It starts with me, you, us, our family, Nigerians( all of us ).

Privy, I should have said some or better large / sizable population

Thanks for the correction cos I don' definitely share the mentality and i believe certain Nigerians don't too.

If Nigeria want to be more advanced in the next five years, Nigeria government needs to increase its investment in education today.

Who is Nigeria?

Check out the standards by which people operate where you travelled to, even if forced. Compare to the standards you knew in Nigeria.

Figure out how far Nigerian standards will approach the ones you are observing in the next 5 years, then you will have your answer.

These standards are unarguably high and far from what obtains in Nigeria but the mechanisms by which they are attained are within our reach. For instance, talk about technology, some of our educated people can fit into the most advanced technology based organization. I know a lecturer here who is a Nigerian, holds a doctorate of engineering with experience and expertise in intelligent systems and sensors. He is highly regarded by everyone in his department including people from advanced countries. There is also an army of professionals at home and abroad who have the required knowledge and expertise to build any system be it economic, business or whatever.

If that's they way some people see and want it, then I really do not see a bright future for the country in 5 years.
Menatality has to change and it takes time. A whole generation has to go for new ideas/mentality to START to be implemented and ingrained in the minds of the people.
Privy, maybe, I sincerely with all my heart pray and believe there'll be a change. For it to happen in the next 5 years, no.
Except there is a MIRACLE.

Even if a new generation were born their culture, thought and pattern would definitely influenced by the society in which they are born. In this case the existing (let's say corrupt) Nigerian society but come to think of it. The problem has been for a long time and most of us on NairaLand can be called "new generation" in comparison to those earlier generation. However, the question you asked earlier is quite an important one that requires deep thought -

Will Nigerians themselves be willing to change their mentality, attitudes and views?

But will you? I think like you observed, a big part of Nigeria's problem can be traced to Nigerians - you, me, NairaLanders, our people. We will get ahead if we look ahead and move ahead.

How many Nigerians want to live in a country where they cannot pay off a policeman to look the other way after a traffic infringement?

How many Nigerians want a country where they cannot pay an airport official to secure a seat on a plane that's already full, in order to attend that all-important meeting in Abuja or Port Harcourt?

How many Nigerians want a country where they actually have to sit through driving tests before getting a drivers' licence, rather than just paying someone to hand them one?

How many Nigerians want a country where they'll be jailed for hitting, or underpaying their house helps?

Or jailed for hiring servants from Togo who have no residence permits?

Or jailed/banned for driving 'over the alchohol limit'?

How many Nigerians want a country where women are so wealthy and independent that they cannot be pushed around any longer by men?

The list goes on and on, and on.

I don't believe we want the country to change as much as we often say we do. We would actually hate the country if it did become like the UK or Germany etc, where all the above apply.

Great questions indeed! But would you want it? Cos I would! And would they really hate it if we get to such a stage? I sincerely doubt it in light of what we stand to gain from achieving such a feat. On the other hand, a lot of Nigerians troop to those countries to live there and even a bigger percentage of those that have not gone there wish or actively seek an opportunity to. What about that? and look at these questions:
How many Nigerians want to experience the horrors of accidents on our roads or lose family because of it just because policemen(and other traffic officials) looked the other way? (I had some experience myself. Specifically on the expressway. Look at Lagos Ibadan Express way and ask the people that live in Ibafo, Mowe, Berger etc)
How many Nigerians would wish to miss his/her flight because his/her seat has been usurped by a corrupt government or moneybag?
How many Nigerians want to be in the shoes of those house-helps you described?
How many Nigerians would want to be victims of human trafficking, becoming slaves in a free world to earn money they can neither spend nor own?
How many Nigerians want to lose a husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or child to death caused by a drunk driver, an unqualified driver or because an auto technician just wants to make some money?
How many Nigerian women want remain second-class citizens of their homeland all their lives?

Alot can change within 5 years if Nigerians see the country as theirs, their neighbor as their brothers/sisters, their colleague as their brothers/sisters, their co-passenger as their brothers/sisters.

If Lagos transformed at the pace it is right now within 2/3years, then the whole country is likely to achieve all that i have listed above if we take and treat the country as OURS.

I agree with you on this though i differ to an extent on the women rights thing. Yes I guess the problem may not be Nigeria but Nigerians. We all have a role to play in this.

@ maro23, Thank you for those statements. I wish these suggestions are already reality but I strongly share your conviction that we Nigerians can push it to become a reality that will stand. But I differ on the point below

There should be mass employment on the part of the government. At least 5 million people should be employed over the space of 3 months initially so that over 60 million will be employed in the space of 2 years.

The government should endeavor to provide jobs for its citizenry but focusing on so-called "provision of jobs for as many people as possible" by government appears to be a pursuit of Utopia as the system of government is not socialism but democratic capitalism. With the current system, we have in Nigeria, I believe that a majority of those changes can be implemented if Nigerians (professionals, artisans et al) decide to seek the better way.

Simple arithmetic will help.

You should do +/-5years. Look back 5years ago where were we, and then simply you can imagine the next 5 years.

"I didn't know I was poor untill I was told I was poor"

Can you be more explicit?

@Poster, we can dream all we want but in five years, Nigeria will get exactly what Nigerians wants and desires for. No matter what wonderful list we create, at the end of the day, the true Will of the people decides what fate lies ahead for Nigeria.

Kobojunkie, So what is the will of Nigerians? What is your own will? It takes more than just having a will. I think it requires us to look at what each one of us does in this direction. We may do well to ask ourselves this question: If the will of Nigerians will decide the future of NIgeria, what is my will for Nigeria and how does it affect Nigeria's future?

@udezue, Nigerians?! That refers to all of us - u, me, nairalanders and everyone of us. But what about you? I mean the mentality thing.

@ DapoBear, thank u for the comment. I can see that you really want the best for this nation but you seem to state it as if you don't see these ideals becoming realities.

@ asha 80, thanks. I seem to agree with you to some extent but what kind of upheaval are you talking about? I seem to think of it as a change of sorts rather than a revolution.

@ poweredcom, I don't want to sound like an unreasonable idealist but why do you believe that there will be more confusion?

Everybody, what about quality of life of people, education, technological advancement etc.

Thanks.

@ Ode Remo,

Hmmm! Quite a question!

There is no way for me to say that there will surely be a Nigeria in the next five years. However, from my viewpoint, I am of the opinion that Nigeria is not likely to split within the next five years despite the fact that there will definitely be challenging times ahead of us. This is especially true as most of our politicians care a lot for power. Nonetheless, the pathway to a splitted Nigeria is quite a very tough and unpleasant that most Nigerians would not want a split in spite of the fact that they are tired of the tumults and clashes we experience on a regular basis. The pains of the last civil war has not been totally forgotten - every tribe and family lost something to it.

But let's say that Nigeria remains one for the next five years. What do you envision it to be like?

Hi nairalanders,

I am a nigerian. I spent almost all of my life in Nigeria and just travelled to a developed country of recent. The level of development and civility surprised me despite having read and heard a lot about these developed countries before I left Nigeria.

It then makes me wonder and ask myself what Nigeria will be like in the next five years. I have asked myself this same question over and over again. I am an optimist but I believe in facing reality.

Please dear nigerians, where do you see Nigeria in the next five years? With the current trend of things, what do you think Nigeria will be like in the next five years?

Your comments are highly welcome.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot. I have ben looking for a way to post something since.