Fellows had an Instagram Live Session on Saturday, 24th September 2022 on the topic: “Is Strength in Diversity a Curse for Nigeria: Moving from Indigenization to Citizenship.”
There were 32 participants in attendance, and 5 Panelists were present and including Tukura John Daniel (Moderator), Nathaniel Ovabor, Zakariyya Haruna Liman, Ngozi Nwafor and Elvis Boniface.
The objective of this activity was:
-To understand citizens’ views on the concept of unity and what it represents to them.
-To enlighten citizens about the untapped potential available in our diversity, and what it represents for Nigeria.
-To bring clarity to the impediment that is ‘Indigenization’ to national unity and progress.
In the course of this session, the participants emphasized those biases that living in a system of indigenization has created in Nigeria. They maintained that this system has attained a hundred appointments by meritocracy in all tiers of government and encourages incompetence in our society.
In addition, actual achievements and key highlights were espoused during this session, and several instances of countries with a system of citizenship and the benefits that this has provided to them especially by giving even foreigners a seat at the table of influence, also recalling how some of these practices may be inculcated in our present Nigerian scenario.
In spite of these, there are some lessons to learn, which is a Nigerian system that strengthens indigenization is an impediment to National development and even the ‘Federal Character’ system may not be as helpful in practice as it looks on the surface.
Furthermore, some recommendations can be given to salvage this situation by upholding efficiency and competence, discouraging the view of Nigerians based on region, and focusing on the capacity for all positions from public office to civil service and in every area of government and society.
Leave a Reply