“I choose to recognize countless ordinary Nigerians, who worked tirelessly to build a better future. Teachers, doctors, community leaders, and activists, who dedicated themselves to their communities, often without recognition or reward. They maintained a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The women who maintained farms, and markets, and supported families in the face of war, and economic hardship. The doctors that worked in underfunded hospitals, and the teachers that taught in underfunded schools, are all unsung heroes.”
The promise of independence in Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential, was quickly overshadowed by a debilitating leadership crisis. The transition from colonial rule to self-governance exposed deep-seated ethnic and regional rivalries, coupled with a lack of cohesive national identity, creating a fertile ground for political instability. This crisis, beginning shortly after 1960, manifested in a series of coups, counter-coups, and a devastating civil war, leaving a lasting scar on the nation’s psyche and hindering its progress.
One of the core issues was the struggle for power among the three dominant ethnic groups – the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba. The Westminster parliamentary system, inherited from the British, exacerbated these divisions, as regional political parties aligned with ethnic interests, leading to fierce competition and mistrust. The new political elite saw independence as a chance to replace the colonialists, and continue a neo-colonial era in the new nation.
Meanwhile there was disquiet among the young military officers, as they watched the selfish fights of the political elites. The 1966 coups, misconstrued to have been led by Igbo officers and then countered by Northern officers, dramatically illustrated the fragility of the nascent nation. The subsequent civil war (1967-1970), triggered by the secession of the Eastern Region as Biafra, further deepened the wounds, leaving a legacy of bitterness and mistrust.
The military’s prolonged involvement in politics, justified by the need to restore order, further entrenched authoritarianism and corruption. Leaders, both civilian and military, often prioritized personal gain over national development, leading to the misappropriation of vast oil wealth and the neglect of essential services. This culture of impunity eroded public trust and undermined the institutions necessary for good governance. The lack of a robust and independent judiciary, a free press, and a vibrant civil society compounded the problem, hindering accountability and transparency. These problems remain with us until date.
However, amidst this turbulent period, there were individuals who stood as beacons of hope, often overlooked in the dominant narrative of corruption and conflict. These “unsung heroes” represent the resilience and idealism of the Nigerian people.
- Wole Soyinka:A Nobel laureate, Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights made him a vocal critic of military rule. He used his art and voice to challenge oppressive regimes, risking imprisonment and exile. His dedication to democratic principles serves as an inspiration.
- Gani Fawehinmi:A human rights lawyer and activist, Fawehinmi dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and holding those in power accountable. He fearlessly challenged military dictators and corrupt officials, often facing persecution and imprisonment.
- Ken Saro-Wiwa:An environmental activist and writer, Saro-Wiwa championed the rights of the Ogoni people, whose land was devastated by oil exploration. His courageous advocacy against environmental degradation and human rights abuses led to his execution by the military regime, solidifying his status as a martyr for environmental justice.
- Ordinary Nigerians:Beyond these prominent figures, I choose to recognize countless ordinary Nigerians, who worked tirelessly to build a better future. Teachers, doctors, community leaders, and activists, who dedicated themselves to their communities, often without recognition or reward. They maintained a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The women who maintained farms, and markets, and supported families in the face of war, and economic hardship. The doctors that worked in underfunded hospitals, and the teachers that taught in underfunded schools, are all unsung heroes.
These individuals, and many others like them, embody the spirit of resilience and dedication that Nigeria desperately needed. Their contributions, though often overshadowed by the prevailing narrative of corruption and conflict, are essential to understanding the complexities of Nigeria’s post-independence history. They serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who strive for a better future, offering a glimmer of hope for a nation still grappling with its leadership crisis.
The challenge for Nigeria today, is to learn from its past, cultivate a culture of good governance, and empower its citizens to hold their leaders accountable. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of its unsung heroes, Nigeria can inspire a new generation of leaders committed to building a just and prosperous nation.
Dennis Amachree, MON, dfisn , Assistant Director, DSS (Rtd), Security Consultant, wrote from USA. Culled from Afrikanwatch 2025 Memoir
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