On a reflective Father’s Day, Peter Obi, a prominent Nigerian political figure, has shared the poignant message that resonated deeply with many across the nation.
Beyond the traditional greetings, Obi’s reflection transcended personal sentiment, delving into the very fabric of Nigeria’s past, present, and collective responsibility of fatherhood in shaping its future.
His message, shared on X (formerly Twitter), began with a difficult question that many Nigerians grapple with: “Are we cursed, or are we the cause?”
This query set the tone for a heartfelt comparison between the Nigeria of his youth and the challenges facing the nation today.
Obi reminisced about a more united and peaceful Nigeria, where religious, ethnic, and regional divisions were secondary to a shared national identity.
He recalled a time when partnerships in business were built on trust and competence, and the Nigerian Naira
commanded respect, affording citizens dignity and easier global mobility.
The freedom to travel across the country, from Onitsha to Lagos, Maiduguri, and Calabar, without fear, painted a picture of a secure nation.
He also highlighted the respect Nigeria’s Armed Forces and Police garnered for their role in global peacekeeping.
Beyond security and unity, Obi pointed to a stronger public trust in institutions, with greater confidence in elections, a clearer culture of accountability in governance, stable universities.
And a more functional healthcare system and basic infrastructure. These, though imperfect, were far less chaotic than what he observes today.
As a father reflecting on contemporary Nigeria, Obi expressed profound pain at the erosion of these values.
He noted the rise in insecurity, the weakening of national unity, and the diminished opportunities for the younger generation.
A particularly striking point was
Nigeria’s apparent reduced influence in global affairs, exemplified by its absence from recent international gatherings like the G7 meeting, where other African nations such as Egypt and Kenya were invited. “Whether symbolic or not, it reflects a decline in standing we cannot ignore,” Obi stated.
However, Obi’s message was not one of despair but a call to action, emphasized that fathers, in particular, must not merely lament the current state of affairs.
“We must not bequeath this reality to our children. We owe them a better Nigeria built on security, opportunity, fairness, and national pride,” he urged.
He underscored the critical role of
active civic participation, urging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), vote responsibly, and protect the integrity of their votes.
“Change will not come from complaints
alone but from citizens who choose and defend accountable leadership.
In essence, Peter Obi’s Father’s Day reflection served as a powerful reminder that the responsibility of fatherhood extends beyond the immediate family to the nation itself.
It is a call for unity, determination, and collective action to build a “new Nigeria that is POssible.”
His words, delivered on a day dedicated to honoring fathers, transformed a personal reflection into a national imperative, urging every Nigerian to contribute to a legacy of hope and progress for future generations.