When I think about Nigeria, I see a country that is blessed by the almighty God with all kinds of resources. I also see a nation of people who have not properly utilized these blessings from God. In addition, I see a mass majority of people who have been denied the opportunity, by a handful of people, to enjoy these blessings. Therefore, there is an ardent need for prayers. Prayers for God to save the majority of Nigerians from these few hands, who have vowed to deny the rest of the population the opportunity to enjoy these blessings.

Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is the most populated country in Africa. It has a human population of about 140 million inhabitants. A country that is rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, agricultural resources, stable climate, and plenty of human resources.

As I am drafting this article, a barrel of crude oil in the world market sales for about $89.00 (eighty-nine dollars). According to the Energy Information Administration, Nigeria is the largest producer of crude oil and natural gas in Africa, and the 11^th largest in the world. Averaging 2.5 million barrels of oil a day. Assuming proven reserves increase to 60-80 billion barrels in the next 10-15 years, production could last 40-50 years at most… My brothers, this is a lot of BREAD. Can you imagine if the revenue generated by selling our God given oil alone, is utilized efficiently to develop or meet most of our essential needs in Nigeria, the country will not be lacking in any amenities. Alternatively, if the oil revenue is distributed equitably among Nigerians, there will be many rich Nigerians today. How many countries in Africa, or in the world, are blessed with crude oil to earn foreign exchange?

How often do we hear or read about inclement weather, or natural disasters in many parts of the world? Earthquakes in California and Japan, tornados in Oklahoma and many other parts of USA, tsunami in Indonesian, hurricanes in Caribbean, volcanic eruptions in Hawaii, subzero temperature in many parts of Europe, etc. Nigeria is insulated from most of these natural calamities. Just for the fact that people wakeup every morning, conducting their daily activities without worrying about all these natural calamities is a blessing to Nigerians.

Nigeria is also blessed with very rich and fertile soil to enable the people to be self sufficient in food production. Unfortunately, agriculture has suffered greatly because of many years of mismanagement. We cannot blame this on God, but our leaders and ourselves for the setbacks in our agricultural sector of the economy. Nigeria is blessed with plenty of vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood supply to help sustain the inhabitants.

Nigeria is rich in cultural heritage because of our history and diversity. Some of Nigerian sculptures, masks and painting are displayed in cultural centers and museums throughout the world. These help to promote and place Nigeria on the map of the world. If there is any instant medication that will help to relieve anybody from stress and unhappiness in life, music and dances will absolutely do it; and Nigeria is blessed abundantly with varieties of music and dances.

With 140 million inhabitants, Nigeria has more than enough work force to sustain the growth of that nation. You can find, both at home and abroad, Nigerians who are well skilled and talented in so many fields of education. I stand to be corrected; I believe that Nigeria has the highest population of educated people compared to any other country in the continent of Africa. The only problem one can cite is the under utilization of our educated population. Until the leaders of the country stop playing nepotism, and learn how to utilize efficiently, the wealth of human resources at their disposal, Nigeria will continue to remain in darkness.

Considering all these blessings and more, Nigeria is still not ranked among the most economically developed nations in the world. Who is to be blamed for the country’s setbacks?

First on my blame list are our leaders and politicians. Many articles have been written on how our past and present leaders have squandered the wealth of the nation to the detriment of the entire population. Corruption among our leaders has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s inability to attain her potentials. When an ex-governor like James Ibori is accused of embezzling more than 8 billion naira of his state fund, compared to an average citizen from the same state that could not make ends meet, it leaves much to be desired. Leaders like Ibori, and the rest of them, do not take directives or orders from the poor citizens, therefore it is necessary to turn to divine power to save us from such people. We should also turn to God to save us from our present President, Mr. Yar’Adua, who is still hallucinating in the office. Six months after assuming office, he has not set any coherent agenda on how to govern the country.

Second on my list are the religious fanatics and militants in Northern Nigeria, who continue to harass and kill innocent Christians and non-Moslems living among them. If Nigeria should remain one country, every Nigerian should be able to live freely in any part of the country and operate a legitimate business without fear or threats. It is time for the federal government to rein in the militants who stage constant attacks on non-Moslems without any provocation. The pogrom of 1966 that gave birth to the Nigerian civil war should never be allowed to repeat itself again. The Sultans and Emirs should be able to rein in these militants if they, themselves, are not part of the problems. If these attacks do not stop, and the Christians and non-Moslems cannot be guaranteed safety and freedom by the Northern leaders, I will suggest that the Northern States should secede and remain a separate country. May God save us from these militants.

May God save us from the criminals, armed robbers and thugs, who loot, harass, murder, and constitute nightmares to innocent Nigerians. These groups of terrorists have made life a living hell in many parts of the country. The Nigerian Police Force has their works cutout for themselves, and as far as I am concern, they have not made any dent on the activities of these criminals. Some of the members of the NPF have been accused of abating and supporting these groups of nuisances. When these police officers are apprehended and convicted of such crimes, they too, should face firing squad just like the armed robbers.

May God save us from the legal system of our country that does not guarantee equal and fair justice for all our citizens. A legal system that does not abide by its own rulings and laws. A legal system that goes to the highest bidder. A legal system where the inmates are the guards. A legal system where the criminals dictate their own punishments. Look at what has transpired since the EFCC has tried to prosecute the ex-governors and politicians who looted the wealth of their states. The role Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, the AG of Nigeria has played so far by trying to secure freedom for Ibori, a criminal who looted his state funds. Does that not make you feel like “throwing-up” when you talk about our legal system?

Nigerians cannot continue to fold their arms and watch few individuals steal the wealth that is meant for all Nigerians. The federal government should set-up a committee to include one representative from every state, and two representatives from each of the oil producing states. This committee should have the mandate to deduce a formula on how the oil revenue should be distributed in the country. The decision has to come from the people and not only from the false states or the federal government.

GOD SAVE NIGERIA FOR WE ARE ALREADY BLESSED.

Robot  # 1 | 22.10.2007 05:21

When I think about Nigeria, I see a country that is blessed by the almighty God with all kinds of...Read the full article.