shape mindsets
As concerned Nigerians’ ‘the Nigeria Fix’ aims at diagnosing the problems and coming up with simple solutions. Following the PART 1 of the series, we asked Singto Saro-Wiwa (Freelance Writer / Editor) and Tosyn Bucknor (Radio Presenter / Activist / Writer) to shed more light on this issue.
quality
the and number of connections we have with other people in our social circle of family, friends and acquaintances.
How do we correct the wrongs of the last 50 years and give the next generation of youths a chance to embrace a New Nigeria? Singto: A nation is nothing if not its people. Without a drastic
Nigerians - in Nigeria, and generally speaking - have a
change in the psyche and skills adaptation of the Nigerian people,
tendency to be indolent, always looking for shortcuts. We must
Nigeria will achieve nothing; Nigeria will be nothing.
get in the practice of doing the right thing and doing it well. Even perfectly. But a 21st-century education is paramount to being able
The first positive step Nigerians can take toward fixing our ongoing
to achieve the greatness many of us hunger for, and which some of
issues is to educate ourselves, not strictly in a professional capacity,
us falsely, sadly, believe we possess.
but of our social connectedness as well. Every act we take - positive and negative - has a multiplier effect on the country as a whole.
Tosyn: I think it is sometimes difficult to correct wrongs before
Until we develop an awareness of how our ability - or inability, as
making a change because one could stay rooted to the same spot.
the case may be - to perform at our highest functionality affects the
We have to focus on the children being born today, those in
development of Nigeria's economy, politics and social culture, we
primary and secondary school because by a certain age, a man's
will continue to find it very difficult to implement lasting, progres-
mind is set and it’s hard to change such mindsets.
sive change.
We need to pray, forgive, talk, be honest, let go of misconceptions and learn to laugh together. Lets ask questions. Of individuals, corporations and government parastatals. Refuse to accept bad service, whether from a fast food joint or a Lastma official Lets create quicker adjudication channels so the smallest wrongs can be litigated without it being such a waste of time. Deal with the Nigeria Police issue. We joke about it but it’s a big issue! Lets turn on the Lights!