The telephone’s shrill cry at 2 a.m. jolted me awake. My mother’s name flashed on the screen, igniting instant panic. “Mum, what’s wrong?” I gasped.
“Nii Nii,” she hissed, her voice a mixture of fury and concern, “Why is Nigeria Frankenstein?”
For a moment, I was gobsmacked. Then it dawned on me – my latest article had reached her WhatsApp group. I suppressed a chuckle, remembering the day my eccentric uncle gifted me Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” for my 15th birthday. Mum had been convinced he’d lost his marbles, likely from that mango tree fall years ago where he banged his head into the hard ground.
“Mum, can we talk in the morning?” she hung up. I couldn’t sleep, so I unraveled how a 19th-century Gothic novel could illuminate Africa’s sleeping giant. It’s a tale of creation, ambition, and unexpected power.
Nigeria: A Frankenstein Creation
Victor Frankenstein wanted to achieve something extraordinary in the field of science. Specifically, he aimed to create life from non-living matter. He tried to play god. Victor wanted to bring a lifeless body to life.
He assembled a being from various body parts he collected from carcasses. Victor succeeded, but instead of creating a beautiful and perfect being, his creation became monstrous in appearance. Horrified by what he had done, Victor abandoned the creature, leading to tragic consequences for both of them.
Victor’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical responsibilities that come with scientific advancements.
Lessons Learned
Like Frankenstein’s creation, Nigeria embodies its creators’ ambition and the unforeseen consequences of their actions. But here’s where we flip the script: What if Nigeria’s ‘monstrous’ nature – that vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and peoples – is its greatest strength?
Embracing the Frankenstein Within
We must stop seeing diversity as a curse and start wielding it like a superpower. Think about it. In a globalised world, who has the advantage? The monolithic nation stuck in its ways or the country that can speak 500 languages, dance to a thousand rhythms, and adapt to any situation? Nigeria’s ethnic complexity isn’t a weakness—it’s her secret weapon in the global arena.
But here’s where it gets juicy. Remember how Frankenstein’s monster sought revenge on its creator? Well, it’s time for Nigeria to turn the tables on neo-colonizers. Her market size isn’t just big; it’s gargantuan. When Nigeria sneezes, half of Africa catches a cold. It’s time we used that economic muscle to reshape global trade in our favour.
Let’s talk about cultural domination. Nollywood isn’t just churning out movies; it’s exporting Nigerian narratives worldwide. Afrobeats isn’t a genre; it’s a cultural tsunami reshaping global music. They are not just participating in global culture; they’re redefining it.
Diplomatically? As the giant of Africa, it’s time you started throwing your weight around. African unity isn’t just a pipe dream; it’s Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead it.
Nigeria’s Superpowers Unleashed
First up: our demographic dynamite. Do you think Nigeria’s youth bulge is a problem? Think again! It’s an economic engine waiting to be revved up. With suitable investments in education and opportunity, you’re sitting on a gold mine of innovation, creativity, and productivity. And let’s not forget your secret weapon: the Nigerian diaspora. They’re not just sending remittances; they’re our global influencers, your bridges to the world economy.
It’s time for Nigeria to change how it uses its resources. Instead of relying on oil, you should become leaders in clean energy like solar and wind power. You should also bring back your farming strength, not just to feed yourselves but to feed other countries. It would be best if you grew new industries, especially in technology. It would be best to spread your economy into different areas because Africa’s future depends on it.
Chink in the Armour: Challenges to Overcome
But let’s not ignore the challenges. Corruption, a national disease, must be reduced to an occasional flu. While improving, infrastructure needs to connect every corner of the great nation like the veins of a superpower. Your education system must evolve from producing graduates to crafting a knowledge economy. These aren’t just obstacles but opportunities to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
These aren’t just challenges; they’re opportunities. Each problem you solve makes you stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Rewriting the Frankenstein Story
Now, here’s where we flip the script. Frankenstein’s monster was a creation, but Nigeria? You are becoming the creator. It’s time you lead in African integration. Forget the African Union; that toothless organisation, crippled by internal divisions, external dependencies, and a lack of decisive leadership. Imagine a continent-wide federation with Nigeria at its heart. You have the population, the economy, and the audacity to make it happen.
And while we’re at it, let’s give you a makeover. Nigeria’s global image needs a severe PR overhaul. You are not just chaos and corruption; you have area-controlled power and untapped potential. It’s time the world saw you for what you are: a Frankenstein who desires companionship, is willing to learn and grow, and finally, like in the novel, is ready to help as an act of kindness to the continent.
The Rallying Cry: Nigeria’s Manifest Destiny
Listen up, Nigerians! This isn’t just talk; it’s a call to action. Every one of us has a role to play in your national renaissance. Whether you’re a student, a market trader, or a big-shot CEO, you’ve got skin in this game. It’s time to challenge corruption in government and our daily lives. It’s time to see your diversity not as a dividing line but as your most robust foundation.
And to your African brothers and sisters: Nigeria isn’t just a big brother; you are the vanguard of a new African resurgence. Except in the case of Ghana, you are not our big brother. We are Britain, and you, Nigeria, can be America. When Nigeria rises, Africa rises. So come along for the ride – it will be one hell of a journey.
The Frankenstein That Saved Africa
Now, my fellow Nigerians, my African brothers and sisters, hear this roar! You are not just citizens of a country but co-authors of a new African narrative. Whether you’re in Lagos or London, Kano or Kyoto, you have a role. Challenge the status quo. Innovate. Create. Lead. Nigeria’s rise isn’t just our opportunity; Africa’s chance to shatter the shackles holding back the continent. Join us in this renaissance, and together, let’s show the world what Africa can be.
Tiger’s Roar: A Final Challenge
The colonial powers created a Frankenstein, thinking they could control it. Little did they know, they were forging the key to Africa’s liberation. Nigeria isn’t just a country; it’s a revolution in the making, a force that will reshape the global order.
So, are you ready? Ready to be part of the most remarkable comeback story in human history? Ready to turn the monster into a marvel, the chaos into a crucible of greatness?
Nigeria calls. Africa awaits. The world watches. It’s time to roar!