As Nigeria continues to navigate its current challenges, stakeholders have urged Nigerians to change the negative narrative about the country and embrace a renewed mindset to unlock its vast potential and restore its former glory.
They spoke at the recent We Are Green Discourse Initiative, a brainchild of Borngreat Nation, which was held under the theme, ‘The Path To Reclaiming Nigeria’s Glory.’
The event brought together voices from diverse spheres, including faith, entertainment, leadership, and social, all united by the belief that Nigeria’s story can still be rewritten.
The speakers included medical doctor-turned social justice crusader, Dr. Charles Apoki; business development leader and administrator, Dr. Abiodun Hamzat; entertainer, Zaaki Azzay; leadership coach, Nkem Mpamah and Dr. Hope Orivri, a media practitioner.
They advocated for a renewed mindset, one that emphasises resilience, innovation, and collective progress.In his welcome remark, the convener, Paul Orizu, said the discourse was specially crafted to assemble thought leaders to discuss issues facing Nigeria and try to generate ideas on how to deal with them.
“Imagine a nation where innovation blooms like the green earth after rain, where bold ideas restore our lost glory, and where every voice sparks the transformative change we so desperately need. By reframing the narrative and embracing a culture of positivity and empowerment, we can unlock the country’s true potential and reclaim its former glory,” he said.
Leading the charge, Apoki said: “Nigerians must first define the ‘glory’ they seek before chasing it. It’s only what is defined that can be refined. If we don’t define the glory Nigeria had, we can’t refine our present situation. If you know where you used to be, it will help you navigate to where you are supposed to be.”
Reflecting on the good old days, the Edo State-born medical practitioner stated that while at Government College Ughelli in Delta State, he schooled with Europeans.
Apoki noted that the average Nigerian potential for enterprise is looking for expression, but stressed that when the legitimate avenue is not provided, there is a tendency to go into criminality.
“At one time, the Nigerian was the most eligible bachelor in Europe and America. At one time, Nigeria gave a loan to the IMF. At one time, Nigeria gave loan to South Korea that is producing Samsung and the rest. At one time, the dollar exchanged for Nigeria’s 50 kobo.
“The king of Saudi Arabia used to send his family for treatment at the University College Hospital Ibadan. I was listening to a Ghanaian, and he said that the gold deposit in Zamfara State is more than all the gold in Ghana. So, we are endowed by God and we are among the most brilliant people on earth.
“As of today, the most brilliant, intelligent family in the world is a Nigerian family, the Omoigui family. The Nigerian family in the United States has more graduates and the chance of getting a PhD holder in a Nigerian family is higher than any Caucasian family in America,” Apoki added.
Hamzat anchored his submissions on structure and policy, emphasising the importance of structure and policy in reclaiming Nigeria’s lost glory.
“For the future of Nigeria to be strong and cemented, it has to deal with the question of creating structures and institutions that align with its dream and vision,” he said.
Azzay and Mpamah added their perspectives, while the flow was held together by the moderator, Orivri, who reminded participants that national rebirth begins with telling stories of identity.
“We can begin a regeneration by telling our stories the way it is and the way we want to be seen. This discourse is the start point for us, that the conversations will continue on different platforms,” she said.
