HOPING FOR A BETTER NIGERIA

 Most of the discussions in the newspaper today in Nigeria focus on the problem of corruption and its pervasive effects on our national life.  It is a phenomenon which appears to have settled comfortably with us, more so that we now regard it, in a rather casual manner as a normal way of life.  One may then wish to ask, what exactly is the complexion of corruption in Nigeria? Why is it son pervasive and how can it be minimized, if not completely eradicated?

Corruption takes many forms it the country.  Contracts are not awarded on the objective criteria of professional competence and results of good feasibility studies. It is a matter of personal relationships, club affiliations or the expectation of some kickbacks.  Loans are not given out by banks on the merits of what you need them for; it is the kick-backs from the loans that decide the manager’s approval.  Those who need jobs either have to bribe their way through to get the jobs or they do not get any.

Limited opportunities, the fast declining state of the economy, poor awareness of the right the states allow, dire needs and a host of others have often been cited as a factors responsible for the picture painted above.

  Many suggestions have been offered for the alleviation of the problem.  So of these suggestions are practical while others appear unrealistic especially in the context of the present orientation in the country.  However, the view being held I this write-up is that the problem of corruption can only be tackled by the application of some practical solutions.

Thus we have to start with our leaders.  It is being suggested here that our leaders must learn to lead by example.  It is not enough for them to condemn corruption; they themselves must not be seen to be involved in any dirty practice. This calls for a great deal of honesty from them coupled with an appreciable degree of integrity and the readiness to help others without expecting to be cheaply rewarded.

Our educational system needs a serious overhaul to achieve some positive results.  The teaching programs must include subjects like civics   and social studies which normally expose students to their right, limits of such rights and the virtues of good neighborliness.  Moral instruction in the schools should be tilted in favor of those imperatives that emphasize justice, fairness and selflessness. In addition, we need a radical reorientation with regards to our value system in the country. There should be less emphasis on the acquisition of material things. Those things that help to uplift the glory and name of the country needed to be promoted.

I strongly suggest we look into these things and we can achieve a better Nigeria for good.

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