A few weeks ago, I published an article in this column titled “Operation Know Your Neighbor.” The opening paragraph of that piece reads as follows: “Nigeria, a country that once boasted thriving communities, diverse cultures, and strong family ties, now faces a security crisis of monumental proportions. However, the country has seen an alarming rise in insecurity. What began as isolated incidents of violence has blown up into a nationwide crisis. From banditry to terrorism, kidnapping to armed robbery, no region seems immune from the threat of insecurity. Even the rural areas, once considered safe havens, are now under siege by criminal elements, with villages and towns overrun by bandits, cult groups, unregulated vigilantes, and political agents. Nigeria is Africa’s most densely populated country affected by persistent inner turmoil based on overlapping ethnic, religious, political, and regional divisions.
This approach emphasizes community involvement in safeguarding lives and property. It is a system built on mutual trust, accountability, and vigilance, where residents take an active role in monitoring their surroundings. It is based on the understanding that no criminal operates in isolation-every bandit, kidnapper, and armed robber is somebody’s neighbor, relative, or acquaintance. By strengthening community vigilance, we can create an environment where crime becomes more difficult to sustain.
Nigeria, often called the Giant of Africa, is more than just its size and population; it’s a cultural mosaic, a land of diverse peoples, languages, and traditions. Yet, many Nigerians especially the youth are unfamiliar with the true depth of the country’s heritage. “Operation Know Your Country” is a national initiative aimed at changing that, by encouraging citizens to explore, understand, and appreciate the richness of Nigeria. As originally expressed by Chinua Achebe, Nigerian author and cultural icon and Marcus Garvey respectively; “If you don’t know where you’re coming from, you won’t know where you’re going.” “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Unfortunately, many of those in positions of leadership today seem to ignore the weekly columns I have been publishing for over seven years. These articles are the product of more than 75 years of personal experience, traveling and living in almost every part of Nigeria. During this time, I have built friendships, shared in the joys and struggles of various communities, and contributed to the growth and development of our nation. I have worked not only to promote sustainable environmental practices but also to offer advice on how we can address some of the most pressing issues facing our country today. It’s frustrating to see that, despite all these efforts, the voices of people like me are often overlooked. Our leaders, who hold the power to make a real difference, seem detached from the realities of the lives of ordinary Nigerians and the solutions that could help move the country forward. This lack of engagement with meaningful input from those who know the country inside and out is a missed opportunity for real progress.
If only our leaders would take the time to read and understand the perspectives I have been sharing, many of the crises we face today, particularly the growing insecurity, could be addressed without escalating into larger conflicts, wars, or political chaos. With my deep knowledge of Nigeria, gained over decades of living and working across the country, I was part of the project team that worked on the Bakalori Dam in Talata Mafara, Sokoto State; a name that, by itself, added a touch of beauty to Nigeria. I believe that the solutions to these challenges are within reach. By embracing dialogue, community engagement, and targeted interventions, we can tackle the root causes of insecurity and other societal issues before they spiral out of control. There’s no need for violence or political instability when we can engage in thoughtful, inclusive discussions to identify and implement practical solutions. It’s about taking proactive steps to bridge divides, foster unity, and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria. Unfortunately, this approach is often ignored, leaving us to face more instability and unrest than necessary.
My writings and early warning whistle-blowing have been shaped not only by my age, now in my late eighties, but also by the deep relationships I have built with people across Nigeria. I hold a genuine love and respect for the diverse communities I have encountered throughout my life, regardless of their tribe or background. These connections have provided me with invaluable insights into the struggles and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. It is from this place of deep affection and understanding that I raise concerns, offering advice and warnings about the challenges facing our nation. Having lived and engaged with people from all walks of life, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to speak out, hoping to guide our leaders and citizens toward solutions that are rooted in unity, mutual respect, and a commitment to the collective well-being of all Nigerians. My commitment to Nigeria’s progress is grounded in my love for its people, and it is this bond that drives my desire to see a safer, more prosperous country for future generations.
Over four decades ago, when I became the Chairman, CEO of Costain West Africa PLC, the company had a significant presence across the country, with infrastructure projects spanning Nigeria and parts of West Africa. At that time, Costain made history as the first multinational company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. As CEO, I made it a personal commitment to visit every single project, regardless of its location, ensuring that I stayed connected to the work we were doing and the communities we were impacting.
This hands-on approach extended beyond the professional sphere into my personal life. Over twenty years ago, when my daughter got married, I had friends and colleagues traveling from all over to attend the traditional ceremony at my hometown, Akwukwu-Igbo in Delta State. Despite the long distances many of them traveled, they were eager to come and celebrate with us. However, the journey to my town at the time was far from easy. The road from the main highway to Akwukwu- Igbo, a mere 9 kilometers, took over an hour or more to navigate, especially during the rainy season when conditions worsened.
Given my position at the time, surrounded by Captains of Industry, Emirs’, Obas’, Obis’ and Military Generals, I felt it was important to inform the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency James Onanefe Ibori, about the upcoming traditional ceremony. To my surprise, he honored my invitation and attended the event. During his speech, he shared how he had initially been advised not to attend because of the poor condition of the road leading to my town. He went on to express his disbelief, stating, “How can I, as Governor, not be able to visit a town in my own state because of bad roads?”
His statement was not just a remark but a commitment to action. He continued, saying, “I am glad to have come and I have seen the state of the road, and I will ensure that it is attended to promptly.” True to his word, just a few months later, the contract for the construction of the road was awarded, and within a year, the project was completed.
This experience highlighted the power of leadership when it is responsive and connected to the people. It also underscored the importance of addressing basic infrastructure needs, as they are key to the development of any community. The road, once a major challenge, was transformed into a symbol of progress and the Governor’s commitment to improving the lives of the people in Delta State. This initiative paved the way for better accessibility and a stronger connection between Akwukwu-Igbo and the rest of the state. Because of the Governor’s swift response and commitment to improving the road, I was treated like royalty when I returned to my town almost like a prince coming home. The newly constructed roads remained in good condition for nearly 20 years, providing much-needed access to my community. However, in recent years, these roads began to deteriorate due to a lack of proper maintenance. The absence of ongoing care and investment in infrastructure has taken a toll, with the roads once again becoming a challenge for travel. This situation underscores a critical issue facing many parts of Nigeria: while infrastructure may be built, its long-term sustainability often falters without consistent upkeep.
To be continued