Greetings, my friends. I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I’m addressing an uncomfortable truth. A nation with leaders who can’t feel the pain of its people is doomed. A nation whose leaders are disconnected from the realities of its citizens is inevitably on a path to ruin. If those in power don’t wake up to the plight of Nigerians, our future is bleak. But what’s equally concerning is that our citizens themselves may not fully realize the extent of the nation’s decay and how far we have fallen behind our contemporaries. A shift in perspective, a collective awakening, is essential.
The concept of leadership isn’t about uniforms, titles, or ceremonies—it’s about the heart and spirit. Ancient Greek philosophy categorizes people into three types: idiots, tribesmen, and citizens. Idiots focus solely on their self-interest, ignoring their society and environment. Tribesmen serve only those in their circle—friends, family, or party members, putting loyalty to these groups above the nation. Then there are citizens, those whose primary concern is the welfare of their nation. Our country desperately needs more of these citizens.
Look to Mali and Burkina Faso, countries making strides in self-sufficiency and national pride. Mali has paid off its external debts by taking control of its resources and severing ties with exploitative institutions like the IMF and World Bank. They made tough decisions, rejecting the pressures of international financiers who didn’t have their best interests at heart. Today, Mali is debt-free and owns its destiny, with citizens who are willing to sacrifice for the future.
Similarly, Burkina Faso is building a new city with 50,000 housing units, not with foreign loans but through its own resources and labor. They are cultivating their lands, distributing thousands of tractors to farmers, and creating opportunities for food security. While they’re using their resources for progress, Nigeria is distributing “palliative rice.” In Burkina Faso, leaders are living humbly and leading by example, a stark contrast to the extravagant lifestyles of many African politicians.
What I see in these countries is an example of what is possible when leadership prioritizes the common good over self-enrichment. The Burkinabe president, for instance, rebuked airline engineers demanding salary increases. He reminded them of the sacrifices that Air Force pilots make daily, risking their lives with less pay. He could say this because he lives modestly himself, drives a simple car, and does not travel with a massive convoy. There’s no luxury jet for the presidency, no frivolous spending. He understands that sacrifice and humility are required to set a nation on the right course.
Meanwhile, here in Nigeria, we are addicted to borrowing, dependent on foreign loans for projects that often yield little immediate value for ordinary Nigerians. We’ve borrowed money for grand but impractical projects, while the basic needs of the people are left unmet. Our leaders do not seem to have the will to lead Nigeria into an era of true economic and social independence. Instead, we’re focused on a loan-driven economy that cannot sustain us in the long term.
What Nigeria needs is a mental revolution—a fundamental shift in mindset. Leadership in Burkina Faso and Mali is proving that Africa can move forward without heavy reliance on external debt or foreign intervention. These countries are using their own resources, building from within, and creating sustainable economies for their people. If we do not change, soon we might see Nigerians migrating to Mali or Burkina Faso for opportunities. Just as the “Ghana Must Go” era saw Ghanaians fleeing hardship, it may soon be “Nigeria Must Go” if we don’t act now.
To those of you benefiting from Nigeria’s current state of decay, I say, your time is running out. And to those whose actions contribute to the rot in this nation, may God hold you accountable. Our people have suffered enough. It’s time for change, and I urge every Nigerian to join in building a future we can be proud of.
Lastly, I invite you to join my upcoming webinar on December 6th and 7th at 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Register now, as the next one will be held in February. Let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge and courage needed to make a real difference.
God bless you all.
Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to add or revise!
