Nigeria @ 65: We Must Stop Elevating Public Nuisances into National Icons

 

....When scandal is rewarded, the nation’s youth lose faith in excellence

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the mood across the nation is mixed-celebration for survival, but also a deep sigh over unfulfilled promises. We were supposed to be giants of Africa, yet six and a half decades later, we remain trapped in cycles of bad leadership, poverty, and misplaced priorities. More troubling, however, is a cultural decay that rewards scandal over substance.

If we truly desire nation builders, then the culture of elevating public nuisances into national icons is nothing short of terrorism in disguise-legitimized without reflection on its long-term damage. Each time scandal is repackaged as success and repatriated into brand ambassadorship, we poison the minds of those who still believe in excellence and crush the spirit of young Nigerians striving to lift this nation’s soul.

We now live in a country where hard work is mocked, intellectual pursuit is sidelined, and honest living is drowned out by the loud claps of notoriety. A young person may publish a book, start a business, or win medals in science fairs with little recognition. Yet, let another commit a social scandal, mocking morality, bragging about excesses, or making a public nuisance of themselves and suddenly, they become a celebrated "influencer," courted by government and corporations alike.

At 65, Nigeria should be reflecting on heroes of sacrifice, honesty, and patriotism. Instead, we are busy rewarding scandal. What message does this send to millions of young Nigerians? That virtue is boring? That only chaos attracts attention? That immorality pays better than diligence? These are silent but dangerous lessons being taught daily.

Our forebears fought for independence not with noise or scandal but with sacrifice. The likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and countless others laid down comfort and in some cases their lives so we could breathe the air of freedom. Today, their type are rarely celebrated, while fleeting social media celebrities bask in state patronage.

This is not to say we must demonize youth culture or shun creativity. No. Nigeria is blessed with vibrant talent, from technology to arts, from agriculture to sports. But what a nation rewards tells where its heart lies. If we keep amplifying mediocrity and scandal, we will harvest nothing but broken values and wasted generations.

As we commemorate this Independence Day, government and society must re-evaluate what kind of heroes we elevate. National honors, brand ambassadorships, government endorsements, and media coverage should go to those who uplift the country, not those who drag its name through ridicule. Let us spotlight young inventors, entrepreneurs, teachers, athletes, and reformers. Let us give children reasons to believe that integrity and hard work still matter.

Nigeria is 65 years old, but maturity is not counted by years. It is measured by wisdom, responsibility, and vision. If we are serious about building a future, then we must abandon the toxic culture of rewarding scandal and begin to truly celebrate nation builders.

Until then, Independence Day will remain more of a reminder of what we have lost than a celebration of what we have achieved.

 

By Abioye Tosin Lawrence, Publisher & Memoirist (Voices from the Fire: My Journey Through a Hollow Empire)