This is the first of a three-part series titled “Don’t Cry for Me, Nigeria.” In this opening part, I reflect on the journey that inspired my writings, the lessons drawn from my travels across Nigeria and beyond, and the striking contrasts I witnessed between nations that chose the path of progress and our own struggle with continuity and vision.

I began this weekly column on my 80th birthday, eight years ago, and since then I have written more than 400 articles. My decision to write was inspired by a desire to give back to a country that has given me so much.

My education came not only from schools, colleges, and universities, but also from the wisdom of the remarkable people of Nigeria, across the many communities where I lived, worked, married, and raised my children. That education enabled me to build friendships in nearly all of the 36 states of the nation and gave me the privilege of exploring the wider world. It also gave me the honor of representing Nigeria, carrying her flag with pride, and serving as a global teacher. Having journeyed so extensively, I often felt that perhaps the only frontier left for me was outer space for I had already traversed the breadth of this land, from Lagos to Maiduguri, from Chad to Talata Mafara in Sokoto, and onward to Agadez in the Niger Republic.

I have lived and worked in every part of the South-West and South-East, and the experiences from these journeys shaped the path that later took me far beyond Nigeria to China, Israel, the whole of Europe, the Americas, and even across the vast stretches of the Sahara Desert. Over the last fifty years, I have visited some of these countries not just once, but three or four times, watching them evolve with the passage of time. In China, for instance, I witnessed one of the greatest transformations in modern history: more than 40 million people lifted out of poverty, and a massive wave of infrastructural development that changed the face of the nation. In just a few decades, China moved from being considered underdeveloped, to a developing nation, and today it stands among the most advanced countries in the world.

One of the oldest cities in the world, London, has been visited thousands of times by Nigerians. Yet, hardly can one pass through any county in the United Kingdom without noticing continuous activity, upgrading, maintenance, and restructuring of existing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. These works are carried out daily, monthly, and yearly, not as a reaction to collapse, but as a proactive measure to prepare for the future. Most of the projects are designed to handle the increasing number of vehicles supported with traffic census to align with modernization, and to adapt to standards set by regulatory and technological developments. What is most striking is that the same culture of constant renewal extends beyond London. Even in the small towns and villages of the United Kingdom, one sees consistent improvements. Despite the temporary inconveniences caused by road diversions, construction noise, or delays, the results are undeniable: each visit reveals positive changes, visible progress, and a people accustomed to growth as a normal way of life.

I remember my first visit to Morocco in 1967, when I drove from Rabat to Casablanca and onward to Marrakesh, crossing roads that were then narrow, uneven, and in many cases poorly maintained. Today, when I retrace those same routes, the transformation is astonishing. The roads have been modernized to standards that rival those of the industrialized world, smooth, wide, well-marked, and supported by modern infrastructure. Morocco’s investment in its roads and cities has not only improved mobility but also played a key role in lifting millions of its citizens out of poverty. Development, I have learned, is not just about concrete and steel; it is about the dignity and opportunities that follow when a nation decides to prioritize its people’s future.

These travels opened my eyes to what is possible when a nation commits itself to progress. In Israel, I saw how innovation and determination turned deserts into fertile farmlands and made the country a global leader in agriculture and technology. In Europe and the Americas, I witnessed societies strengthened by systems that prioritize education, accountability, and long-term planning. Even in the harsh stretches of the Sahara Desert, I learned how resilience and adaptation enable people to survive in some of the toughest conditions on earth.

Each journey reminded me of what Nigeria has the potential to become. We are blessed with vast resources, a youthful population, and a cultural richness that few nations can match. Yet, while others moved steadily from poverty to prosperity, from instability to stability, our nation has often stumbled under the weight of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises.

When I look at these examples, I cannot help but reflect on Nigeria. We are a nation blessed with immense human and natural resources, yet we struggle to maintain the infrastructure we already have, let alone expand it to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Roads collapse after only a few years of construction, projects are abandoned midway, and modernization often comes as a promise rather than a reality. The contrast is painful, for we too have the capacity to achieve what London, Morocco, and countless other nations have done but only if we embrace a culture of continuity, accountability, and vision.

This brings me to an article I wrote some time ago, which I believe is still very relevant today. I have decided to bring it forward once again as it captures, in clear terms, my reflections on the state of our roads and railways in Nigeria. The article is titled: “WHERE ARE THE ROADS AND RAILWAYS IN PRESENT-DAY NIGERIA?”

In reflecting on the pressing issues that confront present-day Nigeria, it becomes evident that the state of our roads and railways stands as a poignant symbol of both our nation’s potential and its challenges. Two years has elapsed since I released the publication of an article addressing this very topic, yet the urgency of the matter remains undiminished. Therefore, it is imperative to revisit and expand upon the discourse initiated in that initial article, delving deeper into the complexities, ramifications, and potential solutions concerning Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

To be continued..