2.It is true that there are lot challenges of development facing Nigeria today. However, it is also true that Nigeria has made modest but significant strides since independence in various spheres of societal development. It is not where it ought to be because of the reformist-conservative political ans ideological settlement under which it attained independence. If Nigeria had entered independence under the leadership of a radical nationalist movement with a different political and ideological orientation the story would have been different. Instead given the complexity of Nigeria and the interest of the external party at independence, Nigeria inherited a leadership that had no agenda and that tried to develop the country not from holistic self-designed and self-actuated visions, strategies and goals, but by the acceptance and application of the dogmas, diktats and prescriptions of their presumably superior foreign masters.
3. As part of the challenges of nation-building Nigerians have gone through several crises. But they have also in process generated creative philosophies and solutions such as "Federal Character" "Wazobia" "Naija" etc. These are not all negatively conceived or used. Anyone who claims that "Naija" is only used negatively is clearly out of touch with the usage and perceptions of the younger generation of contemporary Nigerian cultural and creative performers. Any elementary familiarity with the work of these young musicians, artists, actors, and comedians will show that they often use these terms in more nuanced ways: as celebratory and critical; as a reference to a challenging and success breeding environment; as reflecting the distinctiveness, smartness, intelligence, drive and ambition of Nigerians. Therefore these terms are not only used negativley.
4. It is possible that Nigerians of the late colonial and early independence generation who see all things Nigerian as negative may be worried about the use of the term, "NAIJA". But a deep look suggests that the term "Naija" is a good example of a classic product of Nigerian social thought: a delphic formula that in this case is simultaneously a term of endearment to Nigeria as well as a term of self-criticism when necessary. The emerging ecumenical Nigerian consciousness is able retain both dispositions toward Nigeria both without going schizophrenic. It is very different from the one-dimensional self-flagellation of the happy anti-Nigeria cohorts.
NAIJA forever.!!!!
Ehiedu Iweriebor
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