IN a famous quote, Chief Obafemi Awolowo once stated, ‘We have won the civil war. Yes, indeed. But to win the war for peace, we must recognise the real enemies. Otherwise, all our efforts would be totally misdirected and dissipated.’ His words continue to resonate today, as Nigeria grapples with many of the same challenges he sought to address. Poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance—these are the real enemies of progress, and their impact remains deeply entrenched in Nigerian society.
Awolowo’s legacy of progressive governance, economic empowerment, and social justice presents a blueprint for addressing these persistent problems. Imagine if Chief Awolowo were president of Nigeria today—what policies would he advocate, and how would he tackle the nation’s challenges? A key lesson from Awolowo’s leadership was his belief in regionalised federalism, which decentralised power to Nigeria’s regions, promoting development and effective governance. This concept of empowering local governance remains relevant and essential to addressing Nigeria’s contemporary challenges, fostering national unity, and achieving equitable economic growth.
The real enemies of peace
Chief Awolowo identified five core threats to peace and stability in Nigeria: poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance. For Nigeria to thrive, these fundamental issues must be addressed comprehensively. Poverty isn’t merely the absence of wealth—it also manifests as limited access to basic necessities like education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic advancement. As Nigeria faces growing economic inequality and insecurity, eliminating poverty and its associated issues is key to lasting peace.
Awolowo’s vision for addressing these challenges starts with empowerment. By improving access to education and healthcare, and creating opportunities for economic growth, Nigeria can foster an equitable society where citizens thrive. It is only through addressing these root causes that Nigeria can build the foundation for lasting peace.
The digital age and new dimensions of poverty
In today’s digital age, poverty has taken on new dimensions. Lack of access to digital technology and online resources exacerbates existing inequalities, creating a digital divide that disproportionately affects marginalised communities. The rapid pace of technological advancement leaves behind those who cannot access the tools and opportunities necessary to compete in an increasingly digital world.
Awolowo’s vision for addressing poverty would likely encompass a focus on digital inclusion. Ensuring that all Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, have access to technology and the internet is critical to unlocking economic growth and ensuring that no one is left behind. Digital literacy programs, access to affordable internet, and promoting entrepreneurship in the tech sector could provide pathways to economic empowerment for millions of Nigerians.
Health, hunger, and the misinformation crisis
Hunger and disease remain critical challenges in Nigeria, and the digital age has introduced new risks in these areas. The rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms has undermined public health efforts, while false information related to food security exacerbates issues of hunger. In a country where millions face food insecurity, tackling misinformation and promoting access to accurate, reliable information is critical for improving public health outcomes.
Addressing hunger and disease requires more than just combating misinformation. It also calls for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting nutrition education, and addressing the underlying economic factors that contribute to these issues. Awolowo’s holistic approach to governance would likely emphasise investing in healthcare and public education to create a healthier, more resilient population.
Tackling squalor in the digital era
Squalor, as identified by Awolowo, referred to the dire living conditions and lack of adequate infrastructure experienced by many Nigerians. In today’s context, this can also be interpreted as the toxic environment fostered by online hate speech, cyberbullying, and harassment. The digital world has become a breeding ground for hostility, with social media platforms often amplifying divisive and harmful rhetoric.
To tackle this issue, Awolowo’s principles of promoting respect, tolerance, and inclusivity must extend to the digital realm. Policies that foster digital civility and responsible online behaviour are essential. By addressing the rise of online harassment and promoting empathy in digital interactions, Nigeria can cultivate a more inclusive, respectful society both online and offline.
Ignorance in the age of misinformation
Ignorance, in the digital age, presents a new challenge. Misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly online, undermining trust in democratic processes and institutions. As the internet becomes a primary source of information, promoting digital literacy and critical thinking is essential for ensuring citizens can discern fact from fiction.
Awolowo, known for his advocacy for education, would likely champion digital literacy as a fundamental right in today’s world. Equipping Nigerians with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape is critical to protecting democracy and empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
Regionalised federalism: a path to unity and growth
One of the most enduring aspects of Awolowo’s political philosophy was his advocacy for regionalized federalism—a system that devolves power to regional governments, allowing them to manage their own resources and development priorities. Awolowo believed that decentralising governance would foster equitable development, empower local communities, and promote healthy competition between regions.
In contemporary Nigeria, the call for regionalised federalism is gaining momentum. The country’s diverse population and unique regional needs highlight the importance of decentralising power to ensure more effective governance. By allowing regions greater autonomy, Nigeria can address issues like unemployment, poverty, and insecurity with tailored solutions that fit each area’s context.
Empowering regions, empowering people
Regionalised federalism not only promotes good governance but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. When regions have control over their resources and decision-making processes, they are better equipped to address the needs of their communities. This model could reduce tensions between Nigeria’s diverse regions, as local leaders would be able to respond more effectively to the specific challenges facing their constituents.
By empowering regions, Nigeria can unlock their full potential and drive inclusive growth. Healthy competition between regions can spur innovation, attract investment, and create jobs. Awolowo’s vision for regionalised federalism offers a pathway to sustainable development, where all Nigerians benefit from the country’s wealth and resources.
Lessons for the future: holistic solutions for lasting peace
Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy provides a timeless framework for addressing Nigeria’s challenges in the digital age. His emphasis on progressive governance, economic empowerment, and regionalised federalism holds valuable lessons for today’s leaders. To tackle the root causes of poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, and ignorance, Nigeria must adopt a holistic approach that incorporates technology, education, healthcare, and local governance.
Awolowo’s principles remind us that building a peaceful, prosperous society requires more than short-term fixes. It demands a long-term commitment to addressing inequality, promoting digital inclusion, and fostering good governance at all levels. By embracing these values, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and chart a course toward a more just and equitable future.
Awolowo’s vision for Nigeria’s future
If Chief Obafemi Awolowo were Nigeria’s president today, his focus on regionalised federalism, progressive governance, and addressing the root causes of conflict would be more relevant than ever. His leadership would prioritise empowering local communities, promoting digital inclusion, and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the opportunities and resources needed to thrive.
Awolowo’s vision offers a blueprint for Nigeria’s future—a future where peace, stability, and prosperity are achieved through thoughtful governance and a commitment to addressing the needs of all citizens. By embracing regionalised federalism and tackling the real enemies of progress, Nigeria can build a brighter future for generations to come.
