Nigeria’s Dwindling Image in the International Community…YOUTHS SPEAK
United States of America is said to be the land of opportunities…no wonder the influx of either legal or illegal immigrants into the States is constantly on the increase. Most patriotic Nigerian, are left with the thoughts of wondering what their dear fatherland Nigeria is known for in the international community.
Meanwhile, one does not need to forget that there are countless numbers of highflying professionals in the various fields of human endeavours in the Diasporas. Cutting across Medicine, Acting, Sports, Hospitality, Business and even Education amongst others, and their origins can be traced back to Nigeria, though these countries where they have decided to reside have laid claims to them and they themselves seem not to be interested in their Nigerian citizenship; since their new found home creates the enabling environment to function effectively.
However, it is a pitiable situation that hell is let loose; Social Media trending, foreign and even local media agog with emphasis laid on the nationality of the offender, when any negative event occurs involving someone who claims to be a Nigerian, linked to have Nigerians as ancestors or whose names sold him out as one; without minding if they possess the Nigerian International Passport or not, and even if they have been to or lived in Nigeria at all.
Such people are denied by their so called country, they become focus of negative human interest international news; without minding the developmental roles same people with Nigeria roots play in several countries which they have made home. All of these and many more contribute towards the factors affecting Nigeria’s image in the committee of nations.
However with the rate at which Nigeria’s image is dwindling in the international community, youths home and in the Diasporas have these to say about the turn of events;
Oyejide Oyelowo
Every society has the two strata of human being: the good and the bad. It all depends on whom you encounter first. There are many good Nigerians as there are bad Nigerians too. I don’t want to believe that people of other nationals are good except Nigerians. A lot Indian businessmen in Nigeria are cheats. They employ Nigerians and pay them peanuts. Chinese are not better. What about the Lebanese? So for those who have encountered bad Nigerians first, it is unfortunate that is to say all Nigerians are bad. There is no society that is entirely good or entirely bad.
Haruna Ladan
Nigerian youths were mostly seen as an embodiment of luxury, from my wider view it doesn’t really negate how we generally relate across the globe. When one talks about “bad image” what does it literally entails? Simply involves misrepresentation of one’s state of affairs which is perceived wrongly from a general point of view. It is an undisputed fact that few unpatriotic Nigerian youths are denting the image of Nigeria…! On the way forward I see a great nation full of enthusiastic youths ready to match and take the country to its promised destination as God almighty pronounced. Nigerian youths….! It is our collective responsibility to contribute our quota in the development of our country. God bless Nigeria.
Nicholas Omoh
As a Nigerian that have interacted with young and older people around the world I found out that there is a general stereotype knowledge the world has of Nigerians. That knowledge is we are corrupt and unable to govern ourselves. This trait they believe is a vicious circle which continues for eternity. How can this image perception be corrected. What I found is only individuals can break this circle by changing their mind not to become the stereotype the world knows. That is why during my meetings with foreigners I give them the right image by not falling short of the standard practice in anything I do and that wonders them so they want to be sure I am a Nigerian. I show enthusiasm about my country and hope for the best even though much is not okay in the country and it surprises them. If every young Nigerian can be passionate about Nigeria and try to be the Nigerians they should be and not the Nigerians the world knows. Our image perception will improve for the best.
Fajuyitan Emmanuel
Bad image abroad is unarguably not a good one for any country… Ours have been in existence for so long but I will love to dwell more on what can be done to it which I will say “charity begins from home”… Our parents, religious leaders, school teachers, and anybody who is a Nigerian should in his/her own way use their platforms to act right and not just teach right… Like the new generation kids no longer want to hear you say it but do it… If we all can use our area of influence to preach integrity it will save our future generation. If we can stop celebrating corruption and give more credit to integrity, good moral acts (not training this time)…. If we all can stand up and live right like we should… Naturally things will fall in place as regards how people out there feel about us…. Having said this, there are still good Nigerians out there.
Olayinka Oranmitan
Of course, the image of the country is dwindling, one of the major causes is unemployment, we have a whole lot of unemployed youths in the country, as we all know that an idle hand is the devils workshop, by this some people get involved in dubious acts in other countries which tarnishes the image of the country. The government should try to provide employments and also empower the youths with different skills. The government should try reducing corruption to the minimum.
Folusho Ayeni
Nigeria, a developing nation has suffered a lot of setback in recent time due to its failure to diversify. Economic issues ranging from parallel market to insecurity, corruption and poor leadership structure are the major cause of Nigeria’s lingering image. However, the opportunity is still there for this government to turn things around fundamentally. As for our highly dented image in the international community, the government and its public relations people need to conduct a scientific analysis of the gains of this government and they will be shocked at the fundamental disenchantment with the direction of things in Nigeria.
To keep Nigeria’s image intact, its government need to embrace synergy which is the only way Nigeria can solve its many problems by giving the youth more opportunities to participate in the government. Youth empowerment initiative will improve life for all Nigerians. Nigerian government officials and other elites need to share power with the country’s youth and listen to young peoples’ ideas for how to better the country. The young men and women of Nigeria are tomorrow’s elders and, if included, could transform Nigeria. Without the energy of youth, society will decay and perish. Secondly, In addition to minimizing of corruption in the country because it can’t be totally curbed, Nigerians should cultivate the habit of being patient.
Itunuoluwa Peters
Well, I think that this is just a call for the nation to sit tight and get priorities right. Thank God for the new government and the way matters are being handled lately. Though it might be a little rough for us as a nation right now, but no triumphant person triumphs without trials, rough times and processes… but for us to keep our “image safe”, every person has to let go off mindsets…. wrong mindset we have held on to for so long that has become a stronghold and so hard to let go. All of these start from every individual, the leaders we have today were once the youths of yesterday. It all still boils down on us. Nigeria is not a place, it’s a people and these people can only keep their image by a change in perception.
Yaya Samson
To start with the bad image Nigeria is tagged with all around the world is true someway judging by what some of our people display out there, and also by what they read about us in the news…Most of them are true but really all those don’t really define who we are all are in the real sense it’s just our marketing that’s kind bad. Truth be told it’s a foundational problem just name it starting from bad leadership, to corruption, to stealing, to money laundering, to ritual and all sort. It’s all start from the family what’s the message we send across to our younger ones, what level of impact are we to them we look up to us… We don’t even build any form of hope to anyone, same with our economy and Government that’s why we have everyone trying to run away which doesn’t solve the problem really. Maybe we should consider what Sound Sultan said in his music a formula he deployed BODMAS… Brotherhood that’s love, Objectivity that’s fairness, Democracy – Government for all not individuals alone, Modification for Moderation and Qualification, Accountability act of bin accountable, Then Solidarity – United we stand divided we fall… All the corrections start from us all, it starts from home, families and individuals.
Oladimeji Emmanuel
This is a very serious discussion I think that the first and most important step is what Mr. President is currently doing. There is a big need to first fight corruption to a standstill. This impression of people believing that they can get away with anything they do should be stopped.
Also the idea of foreigners seeing Nigeria as a dump site should be stopped. Let foreign experts be forced to acquire work permit before allowed to work at all in Nigeria. With some of these things, the negative impressions about Nigeria will change.
Olufisayo Giwa
The country’s dwindling image has increased in the international community in the last 10 years due to the neglect of duties by government officials (Elected & Appointed) as constituted by the law guiding Nigeria. These actions gave rise to desperation, poverty, corruption, malpractices, greediness, stealing, false pretence, money scam e.t.c among the citizenry, the government officials inclusive. Due to these actions large number of Nigerians left desperately to other countries in search of greener pastures, those who imbibed those bad attitudes exhibited them in the country they moved to and those with good attitudes did same too. Our government officials loot the public treasury with several practice such as awarding fake contracts to ghost companies or companies owned by them, collecting funds for particular project, executing it half way or non execution etc. The funds looted transferred to their foreign accounts; purchasing luxury properties in choice cities around the world. The actions of these officials and the citizens alike who exhibit these bad attitudes within and outside Nigeria has further dwindle the country’s image in the international community.
To help improve the country’s image, government officials (Elected & Appointed) should take a very huge step in correcting the bad image by taking their duties and responsibilities (providing infrastructure, social amenities e.t.c head on, as stated in the constitution guiding the country. Strategizing and carrying out a long term orientation exercise for the citizenry. Collaborating with the international community governments on disciplining Nigerians and handling out sanctions & corrective actions that will further tarnish the country image. The government should also orientate, work, advise & promote Nigerians in the Diasporas representing Nigeria well in the country they live in.
