Who says a protest isn’t necessary in a country that has gained notoriety as one of the most corrupt in the world? The widespread corruption has resulted in severe consequences, including widespread hunger, soaring inflation, an inadequate education system that fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of both research-based and practice-based education, scarcity of essential goods, and societal distress. It is disheartening to see these challenges persist in a nation blessed with abundant resources and unparalleled wealth.
Who says a protest isn’t necessary in a country that has gained notoriety as one of the most corrupt in the world? The widespread corruption has resulted in severe consequences, including widespread hunger, soaring inflation, an inadequate education system that fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of both research-based and practice-based education, scarcity of essential goods, and societal distress. It is disheartening to see these challenges persist in a nation blessed with abundant resources and unparalleled wealth.The surge in corruption has caused a significant erosion of integrity. This widespread corruption has even led some activists to advocate policies with detrimental consequences. Ethnic religious divisions and threats are insufficient to address the magnitude of these issues. Therefore, there is an urgent and compelling need for a long-overdue protest to confront these deep-rooted challenges.
I understand the urgency of addressing corruption in Nigeria, and I firmly believe that a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is needed to combat this pervasive issue. One aspect that needs immediate attention is the prevalence of individualistic culture, which has led to what can be termed the “Kenimani and Kenimatoni syndrome” in many Nigerians.
The concepts of ‘Kenimani and Kenimatoni’ reflect the potential perception of individuals by others. Kenimani denotes the possibility that others may not favour one. In contrast, Kenimatonisignifies the likelihood that others may not achieve the same status, life positions, and rank as one. These ideas are demonstrated through the leadership-follower dynamic and the resulting challenges in attaining positions, often characterised by negativism.
This mindset places individual goals and rewards over collective progress, thus impeding the overall development and perpetuating poverty within the country.
To effectively combat corruption and advance as a nation, we need to recognise the influence of individualistic cultures (Kenimani and Kenimatoni) on societal behaviour and work towards promoting collectivist values. Unlike individualistic cultures, which prioritise personal goals, collectivist cultures focus on group welfare and relationships, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
In addressing corruption, strengthening institutional frameworks to prevent and penalise corrupt practices, and implementing transparent and accountable governance and business practices are important. There is a need for the promotion of civic engagement and the provision of education on ethical standards.
Fostering political will and exemplary leadership at all levels of government, and introducing economic reforms to minimise opportunities for corruption will strengthen the fight against corruption. Apart from enacting legal reforms to strengthen anti-corruption laws and enforcement, leveraging technology and the Internet of Things will enhance transparency and efficiency.
There is a strong need for international collaboration in combatting cross-border corruption and money laundering to instil a zero-tolerance attitude towards graft. Finally, we must establish systems to recognise and incentivise integrity in both public and private sectors.
These strategies must be implemented through cooperation and coordination across all sectors of society. Moreover, to address Nigeria’s challenges, we need to transition from destructive nationwide protests to a unified national dialogue focused on progress and development. This collective effort is vital in shaping a brighter future for our nation.
