I dream of a Nigeria where people would be properly elected into decision-making positions and anybody who tries to rig elections would be rejected by Nigerians and subjected to public ridicule. Official decisions and policies would be made based on what helps and encourages Nigerians, such as what supports entrepreneurship or what rewards good citizenship, and not on what gives the people making the decision the opportunity to make money out of the situation.
I dream of a Nigeria where systemic injustice and oppression would be a thing of the past. Instead, fairness would thrive. People would know what is good for the society and they would be keen to do it. It would be a country where there is peace and harmony, where people are keen to participate in the discussion and debate of important issues and where these discussions are conducted in an atmosphere of listening and honesty.
I dream of a Nigeria where good quality education is available free of charge at all levels; a country where public transportation is comprehensive, smooth and efficient. There would be an efficient inter-state network of reliable roads and rail. Major cities in the country would have a well maintained public transportation system. Other public utilities like water, electricity, gas and telephone would be available and affordable to all. They would be so efficient and reliable that Nigerians would take them for granted, as a normal part of life.
I dream of a Nigeria where people work hard not only to provide for themselves but so the country can provide for everyone. Those who are not able to work would still be provided for. Jobs would be given on the basis of ability. Discrimination or favour on grounds of where people were born or where their parents came from will cease to be a dominant factor in official decisions. With everybody working hard, and our immense natural resources judiciously used, the economy will create the wealth used to improve life for everybody. All Nigerians would be able to afford three good meals a day and nobody would go to bed hungry. Short rest and holidays would be affordable to the vast majority of Nigerians so people are not working endlessly.
Nigerians who want to travel abroad would be able to do so without much difficulty. Many would have enough money to embark on such a journey and when they get there, they would take pride in being Nigerians. Those on business trips would readily find people from other countries who trust them to do business with them.
I dream of a Nigeria where fewer people are in prison and the prison is well maintained; a place where no prison is overcrowded. Even prisoners would be well cared for, given training in any discipline or trade they chose, so they could integrate into society when they are freed. It would be a Nigeria where nobody is forgotten in prison as “awaiting trial men”, but instead where justice is dispensed quickly and fairly.
This is a dream, but it is a dream that can be achieved. What it would take is for
