By Joe Marshall Ifediorah
In Igbo tradition, a proverb says, “If the palm fruit falls into the bunches of a palm tree, the bird with a long beak will be sought to pick it out.” Today, Nigeria finds itself in a precarious economic situation, with no clear solution in sight. It’s a time when the “birds with long beaks” – our intellectuals, leaders, and innovators – should step forward to help.
Nigeria boasts an array of brilliant minds: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Wole Soyinka, Bath Nnaji, Philip Emeagwali, Peter Obi, and Femi Falana, to name a few. Yet, as the country struggles with hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and insecurity, these “birds” seem to be keeping a safe distance. The people suffer, and the government stands by, doing little to address the crisis.
Where are the birds with long beaks when we need them most? Who will save Nigeria from this downward spiral? The time for action is now. We need our brightest minds to come together, share their expertise, and help forge a path forward.
As I write this, my heart bleeds for the suffering of the Nigerian people – children, mothers, the aged, and unemployed youths. It’s time for our leaders and intellectuals to take flight, using their unique skills to lift the nation out of this quagmire.
Let us join forces, demand action from our leaders, and work together towards a brighter future for Nigeria. The days of birds with long beaks are upon us; let their impact be felt.
“History will forgive us for doing something and failing, but will definitely not forgive us for doing nothing.” – Former President Ibrahim Babangida.
These words ring true today as Nigeria grapples with socio-economic challenges. History will not forgive those who know what to do but choose to stand by and do nothing. Are we ignoring the cries of the poor, the widows, and the fatherless who go to bed hungry every night? The lamentations of the unemployed, the helpless, and the victims of kidnapping and violence?
Nigerian youths are fleeing to other countries, including Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, in search of better opportunities. Where are our “birds with long beaks” – our intellectuals, leaders, and innovators? Nigeria is crying out for help, and it’s getting late.
We must act now to address these pressing issues. Let us join forces, demand action from our leaders, and work together towards a brighter future for Nigeria. The time for doing nothing is over.
TV
Joe Marshall Ifediorah writes from
Abuja, Nigeria