There is an Igbo saying that Igwebuike, meaning that there is strength in unity. In the olden days, our forefathers married many wives to bear many children that would assist them in farm work for the growth and development of the lineage. This is one of the advantages of increase in population. These days, the objective of nation building is to unite the people in order to remain politically and economically relevant. However, Building a nation for greatness is a product of conscious statesmanship.

Nations such as China and India have the largest number of people in the world but they have emerged as important global players. Japan and Singapore that were once regarded as “third world” countries with few natural resources, have long managed themselves into global economic power forces.

On the other hand, Nigeria is merely regarded as the “giant of Africa,” not because of the quality of the nation’s institutions and values, but because of its population and oil wealth. The greatness of any nation is earned and not determined only by its population and abundance of its mineral resources.

Today, the world measures the greatness of a nation by appraising its level of productivity and industrialization. Productivity is increased in a nation where its citizens produce more for the same or less time, effort and resources. Regrettably, input derivatives such as power and other infrastructural decay, have disabled most Nigerians from attaining their desired level of productivity. With epileptic power supply, high cost of transportation, multiple taxation, and low quality of education, most Nigerian factories have not attained their desired heights because the cost of production is very high.

Hence, Nigerian firms cannot compete favourably with others in the international market, and thus, no competitive advantage. This challenge interrogates the hypothesis that “Nigerians are hardworking people and that the country is generously endowed with human resources”.

Nigerians must share common aspirations in citizenship, by being a people with collective purpose, coming together to build a viable nation. But then, how is this possible when the quality of life of people in Sokoto, Abuja, Ibadan, Onitsha, and Lagos are not the same? Can Nigerians be said to have common citizenship when they do not have equal access to food, shelter, health, education, and transportation? As a result of these inequalities, most Nigerians feel neglected and alienated. They feel marginalized that the society does not adequately cater for their welfare.

Some Nigerians have argued that the 1999 Constitution needs to be amended because of its imperfections. However, in spite of these imperfections, we must learn to be governed by the rule of law. Good governance is key to achieving greatness and our leaders must shun corruption. The issue of corruption, marginalization, and exclusion in the polity must be squarely addressed. Moreover, executing the federal character principle should not be at the expense of merit or a substitute for equal opportunities for citizens.

Having weak institutions of governance is a big challenge towards building a viable nation. We must set standards to measure the effectiveness and performance of our institutions at all levels. This would only be achievable if we set the rules; hire Nigerians with the technical and professional expertise as well as moral competence to interpret the rules; and ensure that the institutions inspire public confidence through transparency and accountability.

No doubt, leadership goes beyond integrity. Integrity is key for a good leader but not sufficient to bring about change. If Nigeria is to change positively, we must have a leadership that is committed to the rule of law. This type of leadership has to be one that demonstrates a sense of fair play and democratic tolerance, with the ability to see beyond the flamboyant splendour of government office. Most importantly, Nigerians deserve leaders who are democrats, having a better vision than the one they inherited.

Leaders who are reformers will lead by deeds and not by mere rhetoric. Nigeria needs leaders who are achievers, not deceivers. Nigeria earnestly asks for “leaders who will not only live their footprints on the sand of time, but those who, by dint of hard work and fair play, dedication, and commitment, will live forever in the hearts of Nigerians.” Let’s join hands together to make Nigeria a great nation. It’s for our own good, and for generations yet unborn.

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