Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR Reading the headlines and witnessing the patterns that repeat themselves year after year, one cannot help but wonder: will future generations ever experience the peace and brotherhood we so proudly sing of in the Nigerian National Anthem? As children, we only heard about unrest in distant regions. It seemed far removed from our reality. But over time, those distant crises edged closer—touching the South-South, the South-East, and beyond. Anyone who has ever lived through conflict knows: no one who has truly seen war will ever wish it upon their homeland. The world has changed. We now live in a global village where instability in one region has ripple effects far beyond its borders. In some parts of our beloved nation, unrest has grown unbearable. And sadly, those entrusted with protecting us often appear overwhelmed and helpless. For over 15 years, Nigeria has carried the burden of unresolved challenges—recycled from one administration to the next. Despite every promise and every hope, our realities remain stubbornly unchanged. But let it be known: Nigerians are not helpless. We are not hopeless. We are a people of deep wisdom, great strength, and enduring resilience. It is time we confront a painful truth—our divisions are destroying us. Tribalism. Religious intolerance. Political bitterness. These are not strengths; they are distractions. While we argue among ourselves, our nation bleeds. While we point fingers, insecurity grows. While we wait for miracles, others quietly exploit our weaknesses. We must shift into survival mode—not just to endure the present, but to secure a meaningful future. History has taught us this: when one nation fails, another rises in its place. If we do not take ownership of our land and its future, others will. This moment calls for courage. Every generation bears the sacred responsibility of defending its homeland. Silence in the face of injustice and selfish detachment in times of national crisis are acts of betrayal. There is a wise African proverb that says, “If the rat inside the house doesn’t reveal the hole, the one outside won’t find its way in.” Our greatest threat is not the foreign invader—it is the unchecked rot within. We must clean our house. We must confront corruption, injustice, insecurity, and systemic failure—not tomorrow, but today. Every weakness we acknowledge becomes a strength in the making. Our leaders must stop masking the real issues. And our citizens must stop waiting for a savior. Yes, past administrations may have tried. But we must admit that we are still far from the peace, unity, and security we deserve. This nation can only move forward when we all rise, shoulder to shoulder, with a shared resolve to build a better Nigeria. The time is now. Not next year. Not the next election. Now. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.And may God, in His infinite mercy, guide and bless us all.
Courtesy of MEFOUNDATION