Nigeria’s kinetics: How long?

WHAT does our lecture topic mean in everyday English? Kinetic is an adjective that means relating to, resulting from, or producing movement or motion. It stems from the Greek word ‘Kinein,’ which means ‘to move.’  Nigeria is awash with potentials that can move her forward, far beyond where she is stuck today. But those potentials remain just what they are—potentials, not translated to the good of the citizens.  A brief look at some of Nigeria’s kinetics.  Vast human resources. With a population estimated at over 200 million, most of whom are youths, these can be an engine of national development, if they are given the necessary wherewithal.  Also prodigious natural resources. These include crude oil, natural gas, solid minerals, limestone, gold, coal, tin, iron ore, fertile land suitable for agriculture, and many others.  Equally to Nigeria’s credit is her geographical location in the Gulf of Guinea, with access to the Atlantic Ocean. She is also a gateway to West and Central Africa.  But despite the humongous resources, Nigeria is hobbled by corruption, poor governance, weak infrastructure, and many other ills. The result is that youths are unemployed and underemployed, people are generally not fulfilled, and the majority are angry with their own country. 

Here are some life lessons of how Nigeria dehumanizes its own citizens. Eunice has been a graduate for 10 years, working as a newscaster in a TV house. With her paltry salary, and two children to cater for as a single mother, she virtually lives from hand to mouth. Miserable is the way to describe her life, as she is always broke, borrowing from all and sundry.   Three years ago, Eunice had the opportunity to travel to Canada on study leave. She grabbed it with both hands. Along with her study, she works here and there. She sends money home, and her brother has helped her complete four flats, which she lets out. Remember that she could hardly pay her rent while here. Why must she leave the country before she could have a measure of success? 

Adeolu was a young secondary school leaver in the 1990s. He was not very bright, so he did not seek to further his education. He moved from one odd job to the other, and most times had nothing to eat. A chance to emigrate to America came. His mother sold her wrapper, jewelry, and other household goods to raise the ticket money. They also borrowed from friends and relations.  Adeolu landed in America, the land of opportunities, and held two jobs per day. Today, he runs a big company of his own, and is very successful. If he had stayed back home, he would have remained poor and wretched, or could even have been killed by lack. Despite all Nigeria’s resources, why did Adeolu need to japa, to change his lot in life? 

What have our leaders, from Tafawa Balewa down to Bola Tinubu, told us about our country and her potentials?  Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, 1960-1966: “Nigeria has the resources, manpower and the determination to become one of the greatest nations in the world.”  Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, our first ceremonial President: “The future of Africa lies in Nigeria.” Gen Yakubu Gowon, 1967-1975: Speaking retroactively, he says “Each time I reflect on my service to this country, I become even more persuaded that Nigeria can become better and achieve her full potential as the giant of Africa.”   Gen Murtala Muhammed, 1975-1976: “Our nation is indeed blessed with abundant resources, which should enable us to provide a decent life for every citizen.” Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, 1976-79, 1999-2007: “Nigeria has everything it takes to be a great nation. What we need is the right leadership.” 

Alhaji Shehu Shagari, 1979-1983: “We all urgently require to harness our resources and energize and devote them to the development of our country. God has blessed us with abundant resources, and we have to use them to develop our country.” Gen Muhammadu Buhari, 1984-85, 2015-2023: “Our best days are still ahead of us…This generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country than Nigeria, and we must all stay here and salvage it together.” Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, 1985-1993: “Nigeria is richly endowed with human and natural resources. What is required is the determination to harness these resources effectively for national development.” 

Gen Sani Abacha, 1993-1998: “This nation is richly endowed, and we are in a process of learning to harness our resources in such a way that we can maximize their usage. We are in a continuous learning process. Our goals are achievable and with God’s guidance, we shall succeed.”  Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, 1998-99: “We must resolve with a new determination to build a nation that shall be the pride of every citizen of this country and worthy of admiration by all and sundry.”  Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, 2007-2010: “Our country is abundantly blessed with human and natural resources. We have all that it takes to become one of the leading economies of the world.”  Dr Goodluck Jonathan, 2010-2015: “Nigeria is not a poor country. We are richly blessed with human and natural resources.” 

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 2023 till now: “Our mission is to improve the lives of our people, to restore economic growth, and to build a nation where every citizen can thrive.”  These avowals by our past and present leaders show that Nigeria is not bereft of rhetoric. But when shall they be translated to action? How long? When will our kinetics transmute to improved lives for the people? The answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind. 

Conclusion

Let us close with the 1963 song by Bob Dylan. 

How many roads must a man walk down 

Before you call him a man 

How many seas must a white dove sail 

Before she sleeps in the sand 

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind 

The answer is blowing in the wind.  Thank you for listening.

•Being a presentation by Adesina, FNGE, at the 1st Annual Public Lecture, Foursquare Gospel Church, Aba-Ibeji, Ibadan, on Wednesday, July1, 2026.