Nigeria and the Accepted Fraud System

Before anyone comes for me for putting Nigeria and ‘accepted fraud’ in one sentence, first, let me explain.
In August 2019, a Nigerian billionaire and one of Forbes Africa ‘100 Most Influential Young Africans 2018’, Obinwanne Okeke, was allegedly arrested by the US Federal Bureau based on conspiracy to commit fraud in tune of about 12 million US dollars.
The American authorities also charged 80 people, “most of whom are Nigerian nationals”, for contributing to a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars globally. Nigerian scammers.
This act, of course, has led to a buzz by Nigerians online. The outrage, shock and questions are all over social media platforms.

Obinwanne Okeke aka ‘Invictus Obi’, the Nigerian Businessman, that was arrested by the FBI for a $11 million fraud, was a Forbes Contributor & a Young African Business Leader nominee. He was on BBC News Africa, CNBC Africa, London School of Economics Africa Summit and TEDxYABA. pic.twitter.com/hbazhUqlO9

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) August 17, 2019

There are many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, that are unquestioned about their ‘accepted’ luxurious lifestyles irrespective of background.
These people are envied and looked up to in the hopes of ‘getting that money‘ no matter what it takes, someday.
We only live once, right?
What does it take to fix it all? How can Nigeria go back to be the great nation it was, be taken seriously around the world and seen in a positive light?
What will it take for people both at home and in the diaspora to proudly say I am a Nigerian?
The answer is straightforward: Good people, good country.

“I believe in personal responsibility.
When you criticize a police officer, the institution should, for the sake of vicarious liability, take correction and admit their flaws, then make amends.
This is a different situation with human idiosyncrasies at it applies to free citizens.
The action of Chima is Chima’s responsibility and not his tribe or country’s.
You cannot judge a whole country by the action of a few.
It is also pedestrian to say not all police are bad when pointing out the culture of impunity in the entire system as proven nationally. It is obvious that not all police are bad, but responsibility and admittance must be made of the obvious serial abuse of authority.
We can say not all Nigerians are fraudsters, but not without condemning the fraudulent acts of most due to the level of neglect and unconscionable rulership we have in the country.
The country in itself is a huge crime scene.
Foreign nations, as it is their condescending culture, don’t judge individuals but judge the actions of individuals on the collective. Nigerians will always be treated differently internationally. They will always be separated and profiled until we unite our forces and fix our national issues.” – Segun Awosanya / @segalink 

Given these points, it is not just fraud, Yahoo Yahoo or 419 as it is also known, that is Nigeria’s problem.
Before we go ahead and blame it all on the government, let us appreciate the fact that we do have one and also remember that the people are the government. (who did you vote for last?)

A Good Government

With the society of today, Nigeria needs young and educated leaders to drive the country ahead.
Leaders with vision, leaders that can relate to the people and see themselves as the people, and leaders who can proudly represent Nigeria globally. Accountable leaders.
The Nigerian government system should have leaders with the wisdom and ability to do what is right for the people while empathizing with the masses, not hungry people looking for clout, riches and personal gains.
Good governance always leads to a system that works.
So, before you decide to quit your daytime or entertainment job to run for office, ask yourself if you genuinely have what it takes to actually be in government.

A System That Works

The Nigerian system has to work effectively for its citizens to be able to give back to society wholeheartedly.
The educational systems, the medical system, the occupational systems, the government, electricity, housing, roads and a whole lot more are all fundamental areas that need to work for the people by the people.
We need to remember that we, as a people, can also come together to set things in motion.
Do not wait for the government to fill up the potholes on the road leading to your house. Instead, gather your neighbours as a community and resolve it. Remember the days of strict environmental sanitation?

Education

According to UNICEF, one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria.
That is a lot! Education is vital for a better Nigeria.
There must be an emphasis on the quality of education in Nigeria. We need more educated teachers who are paid to actually teach and who enjoy teaching and are proud to be called teachers.
Children should know the values of education from a young age and that crime and shortcuts to fast money, do not pay.
Also, there should be more accessible sources of education for children whose parents can not afford it.

Values, Morals and Ethics

Moral values are relative values that protect life and are respectful of the dual life values of self and others.
If you have no moral values and expect genuinely good things to happen around you, then you are in for a shocker.
It is not all about being a good Christian or Muslim but ethics. It is essential to know right from wrong and not have the ‘well everyone else is doing it’ mentality.
Let go of greed, forget about eye service, mind your business, don’t steal, love your neighbours. The proverbs of our forefathers are for a reason. Nigeria should not accept fraud or other vices as a norm.
With no moral values comes disaster because someday, you will be held accountable — some long before others.

A People That Think United

For a better country, Nigerians need to let go of tribal sentiments and work together as Nigerians towards change in Nigeria.
Who cares if he is Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa? The important thing Is good leadership.
Nigeria is made up of three major tribes, and if there is rivalry amongst these tribes, the country can never be stable.
Together, Nigeria can fight fraud and other societal issues and change its global image.
We need to love, respect and accept each other as Nigerians to move forward or the goal of a great nation will always be far from reach.