Post by Nkemdi Patrick Onwordi (@ponwordi)

I grew up understanding some simple principles of the Nigerian story and the Nigerian dream:
Be respectful, hardworking and focused. Listen to the counsel of your elders and parents. Learn a trade, get an education, acquire a skill. Just do something meaningful. A life of loafing and thuggery often ends in regret. Ma ba won ko egbekegbe. Fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Pray for those around you, pray for our leaders, and pray for Nigeria.
We recited Arise, O Compatriots and I Pledge to Nigeria My Country every morning at school. These values helped shape us.
Sadly, that pattern seems distorted today. Gbomo Gbomo has become Gbeniyan Gbeniyan. Crime has become a trade, while ignoble actions can appear more lucrative than honest work.
I love Nigeria. I want her to wake up and do the right thing again.
But honestly, I am afraid she is slipping away.

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