The reality is that Nigeria’s problem is not tribalism, but individualism. We are a nation of people who prioritize our selfish interests over the collective good. We are a nation of individuals who are content to be wealthy in a society that is rotten and dysfunctional.
This mentality manifests in our approach to politics, business, and even religion. Our leaders are more concerned with accumulating wealth and power than with serving the people. Business owners are focused on making quick profits instead of investing in the community. Likewise, religious leaders often prioritize building their empires over promoting the common good.
However, it’s not just our leaders who are at fault. We, the ordinary citizens, also share this selfish mentality. We tend to be more concerned with our success than with that of our community. We prioritize accumulating wealth and status over contributing to the greater good.
This individualism leads us to focus on our own ethnic or tribal interests rather than on the interests of the nation as a whole. It causes us to support politicians who promise to favor our tribe or region instead of those who commit to working for the benefit of all Nigerians.
This mindset is not only destructive to our nation; it is also self-destructive. When we prioritize our interests over the collective good, we ultimately harm ourselves. We create a dysfunctional society, where everyone is vying for their gain while neglecting the common good.
So, what is the solution? How can we overcome this selfish mentality and build a better Nigeria? The answer is simple: we need to prioritize community over individualism. We must begin thinking about what is good for Nigeria, rather than just what is beneficial for ourselves.
This involves supporting politicians who promise to work for the benefit of all Nigerians instead of those who favor our tribe or region. It means investing in our communities rather than merely accumulating wealth and status. Most importantly, it requires us to promote the common good rather than just our interests.
It is time for us to stop being a selfish nation and start becoming a community-oriented one. We must prioritize the collective good over individual interests. Only then can we build a better Nigeria—a Nigeria that is prosperous, peaceful, and just for all.
