THE various challenges that confront us as a nation not only affect us but also affect the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations. The influence of globalization has made every single event that occurs in one nation to have a ripple effect on other countries.
The problems of terrorism, cyber crime, trafficking, illegal emigration and all forms of corruption have presented Nigerians as corrupt persons in the eyes of other nations especially in the West.
Nigerians are denied visas to European countries and are investigated like terrorists in international airports and embassies because of the bad image ascribed to the nation. Nigerians are seen as forward, cunny and corrupt persons. Many nationalities do not feel safe around Nigerians. The influence of ‘Boko-Haram,’ kidnappers and other sycophants are degrading our national image.
The image of Nigeria refers to the perception of Nigeria by other nations. How Nigerians are seen oversea? What is the dominant attitude of foreigners towards Nigerians? These are salient issues that must be addressed quickly.
Reviving Our Core Values
In the face of this plethora of ills that confront our nation, the first step is to revamp our values as a people. What are our national values? What do we stand for?
Before the advent of colonialism, the various parts that now make up the entity called Nigeria believed and lived on the value of brotherhood, hospitality and honesty. Those days, a trader could leave his goods in the market and a buyer will buy and drop the money there without cheating.
People could sleep with their doors opened, a child could go to his neighbour’s house and eat without fear of harm. Everyone lived under the bond of brotherhood. Honesty was the legacy fathers instilled in their children, hard work was celebrated and dishonesty was despised.
However, today the case is different, the villians ride on horses and are applauded by society while the honest individuals trek the lonely and dusty streets as they are mocked and maligned by the society.
We must return to our core values of brotherhood, honesty, hard work and patriotism.
If Nigeria’s image is going to be rebranded and exalted, each citizen must be ready to live in accordance with the ancient landmarks that our fathers laid. The foundations of trust, hard work, determination and the pursuit of the common good of all.
The foxes that spoil the vine
There are certain factors that are catalysts of degradation in the nation. These include:
Prostitution/human trafficking
This malady which is predominant in Europe, where several Nigerians engage in illicit sex business (prostitution) is greatly degrading the image of Nigerians. Many of our Nigerian women sell their bodies in the streets of Europe in order to make money to build castles in their home towns.
Due to these atrocities, which are antagonistic to our traditional and cultural values of decency, chastity and morality. Many Europeans have a negative view of Nigerians because of the activities of these persons of easy virtues.
Human trafficking is one of the foes eroding our dignity and honour as a nation. Nigerians in Diaspora are tagged as immoral and loose due to these nefarious activities.
Drug Trafficking
In desperation to make money, some Nigerians take great and foolish risks to swallow cocaine and traffic illegal and hard drugs to the West. Despite the heavy security and checks at the various international airports, many still manage to pass without being caught.
Several Nigerians have been arrested over the years for engaging in illicit drug trafficking, still they still continue this vice. Like the wise king Solomon said “stolen waters is sweet”. The rich dividends of the crime seems to be an alluring bait that they cannot resist.
What they fail to realize is that they are not just destroying their lives but are also soiling the image of their nation. When one finger is dipped in oil, other fingers gradually also get the oil. In like manner, the muddy waters of crime has a ripple effect on the topography of our nation.
One a person is introduced as a Nigerian in Europe and America, these stereotypes immediately come into the mind of foreigners. This has denied several Nigerians the honour, opportunity and esteem they deserve.
Fraudulent practices
Another factor that inhibits the image of the country is the fraudulent practices that many Nigerians engage in. This revolves from internet fraud to real life business fraud. “A Nigerian doesn’t keep his word’ is the testimony of many foreigners who have experienced the wonderful word of a Nigerian’s trick.
Nigerians engage in scams, cheating, manipulations and tricks all in a bid to make quick gains. Like the Biblical Jacob, Nigerians are willing to use their ‘pottage’ to obtain peoples birthrights. Especially in the business environment where the desire to make profit clouds the conscience of Nigerians.
Terrorism /insecurity
This is another vicious evil that is fighting the image of the nation. The nefarious and blatant evil being carried out by the now infamous terrorist sect, Boko-Haram has made Nigeria a constant war zone.
Also the angle from which international news agencies like CNN, Fox, Aljazeera, etc cover sensational stories on Africa makes an average westerner to believe that Nigeria is in a state of constant bombings and chaos. However, this is not a true picture of Nigeria or Africa as a whole.
Nevertheless, the problems of insecurity, terrorism and social upheavals cannot be swept under the carpet. This is so because investors are being chased away by the news of terror in the nation.
Corruption
The problem of corruption has being flagged severally, yet still continues to bounce with life like a well-fed child. Indeed, corruption is being fed by the dirty hands of our pot bellied politicians who use fat spoons of empty promises to feed their pet child, christened corruption.‘
Until, the challenge of corruption is holistically dealt with, our national image will continue to linger in the mud of contempt and disdain. It is therefore important that the president and every Nigerian embraces the virtue of transparency and equity. Let’s shun corruption!
Nigeria go better: It depends on you
Despite these challenges confronting us as a nation. There is still hope for our nation if only we can all join hands together, to make this work.
I believe the solution to changing the bad image of the country is for us as a people to stop the vices that we are engaged in and instead embrace the core values of brotherhood, sincerity and honesty.
The strength of our nation is dependent on the strength of our morals and values. Nigeria is not going to be rebranded by mere logos and slogans but by a change of our value system and philosophy.
National re-orientation
The Holy Bible declares “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he’. Until our mindset and value system is changed, we will continue to meander in the dangerous and slimy terrain of national degradation.
This can be done through the media as well as through family discussions. It should be an obligation for fathers and mothers to impart their children with real values – honesty, integrity and equity.
Once our values are reenacted and reinforced, our actions will follow suite. Nigeria is a great nation and must not be reduced to rubble.
Having said all, let’s get to work
The task of rebranding our nation and making it a place where we can truly call home. It is a work that must be done, not just by the president and other public office holders, but by all Nigerians.
Nigeria must be built by Nigerians! We should all put our hands together to make this nation work and to make our country an epitome for all eyes to see.
In conclusion, the image of Nigeria in the eyes of the international community must be quickly repaired and decorated to make it a praise to all nations.