A Tale of Two Nations: India and Nigeria
Today, Monday, Indians woke up to a tweet from their Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, thanking citizens for standing at the forefront of artificial intelligence, a technology transforming every sector of their society. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the AI Summit would help shape a future for their children that is progressive, innovative, and opportunity-driven.
Yet in Nigeria, we wake up thinking about how to rig local government elections, how to exploit and impoverish the poor, and how to use the very children we should be nurturing for the future as tools for manipulation and election malpractice.
Nigeria is rich in talent, resources, and promise, yet we allow bad governance, greed, and selfishness to define our reality. What we are today is far from what we ought to be: a nation where every child can dream freely, every citizen can thrive, and leadership is measured by service and vision, not manipulation and personal gain.
It is time for Nigerians to demand leadership imbued with compassion, commitment, and character — leadership that works not just for a few, but for all, and that transforms promise into progress. -PO
“If I do not provide steady electricity in four years, do not vote for me for 2nd Tenure,” -BAT
Thirty-two months after being incharge and instead of living by his powerful words, he now dumps National Grid that has been performing abysmally under his watch.
Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation. Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled, categorical electoral promise - and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of provision in 2025 budget about the ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance and now we are being scarcitically told that Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.
It is a gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. One would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately, citizens can benefit. If those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?
Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future. However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured.
Nigerians do not expect 100% fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100% effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist. Leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles. -PO