We want to live🥺

There's something I've noticed about Nigerians in the diaspora. They sometimes seem to have more love for Nigeria, and even more patriotism, than those of us still here. There was a video that circulated online during the End SARS period; Nigerians in the diaspora protesting over the same things Nigerians back home were protesting about. And it's not news that Nigerians in the diaspora love Nigeria and always give off this patriotic vibe. But then the question we ask is: If you love Nigeria so much, why didn't you stay to build it? Nigeria is a very large and populated country. Even with the number of people leaving the country every day to find greener pastures in more developed countries, we are still one of the most populated countries in the world. Nigeria is a very blessed country, and in years to come, Nigeria will never lack talent. The fact that many people would rather go out there to make a better life for themselves is very valid. It's really difficult to build in this country. Like, really, really difficult. The odds are against you. You can't do much with your green passport. But then, is true patriotism staying here and suffering all in the name of fixing the country? If you die suffering, that's just the end. The story continues without you. Dangote, for example, is someone I really admire for how much he has invested in building businesses and industries in Nigeria and for the impact he has had on the country. I really admire that. But even at that... Look where we are. Real building can't work if the government isn't in support. Individual effort can build things, but individual effort alone cannot substitute for functioning institutions. You can have brilliant entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers and creatives, but they can't individually manufacture reliable electricity, redesign the healthcare system, fix the judiciary, secure every road or create a functioning national education system A country is doomed if there isn't good governance to support the people trying to build it. But how then can we get good governance if the citizens move out of the country? Do you think staying here to build it is also the way? The Japa mentality came up as a means of survival. It's not very easy out there either, but even at that, there are better opportunities, better ways of living, better healthcare and better educational systems in many countries. You can't tell a person who has suffered at the bottom of the food chain to stay and build the country. They'll ask: What has this country done for me? Is it fair to demand sacrifice from people who are already struggling to survive? Personally, I don't think patriotism is about staying here and suffering all in the name of helping to build the country with your talent. It's not like the country even notices it. I love my country. But I want to live. I don't want to die because of a failed healthcare system, suffer because of failed systems, struggle harder because of failed educational system or end up as a statistic because of insecurity. Before we ask them to stay, perhaps we should give them the basic things that can keep them alive. After all... It's those that are alive that can build the country. We want to live, and sometimes we have no choice but to leave. Happy Independence Day.<img src="/media/inline_insight_image/1003053121.jpg"/>

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