Column contrasts Nigeria’s early promise with decades of political disruption

Temitope Lakisokun uses Nigeria’s approaching 66th anniversary to reflect on the country’s early promise, later political disruptions and continuing possibility of renewal. In the Premium Times opinion column, Lakisokun says the series will examine observations about language, politics, culture, business, society, leadership and everyday behaviour. The writer describes the pieces as personal reflections rather than a claim to universal agreement.

The column begins with the symbolism of official receptions. Lakisokun recalls that Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was received at the airport by United States Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson during a 1961 visit to Washington, less than a year after Nigeria became independent.

The writer presents that reception as evidence that the United States expected Nigeria to become an important country. The comparison is made with present-day diplomatic ceremony, including the separate treatment accorded to major powers during state visits. Lakisokun then turns to China, drawing on Bertrand Russell’s view that Western countries had as much to learn from China as China had to learn from the West.

The column says China later built industrial capacity, infrastructure, scientific expertise and military capability, despite severe historical failures including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. By contrast, the writer attributes Nigeria’s loss of momentum to coups beginning in 1966, the killing of Balewa, military rule, civil war and repeated changes of power outside the democratic system. The argument is that interruptions weakened institutions, including the civil service, diplomatic service, universities, businesses and political parties.

Lakisokun nevertheless concludes that Nigeria is still young enough to change course and says the writer has not given up on the country.