MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
Nigeria stands at a historic crossroads. The fabric of our society is frayed, torn by decades of systemic dysfunction, economic stagnation, moral decline, and deepening inequality. At this critical juncture, the solutions we seek cannot emerge from the same state of consciousness and knowledge that created these challenges. To continue to rely on reforms as our principal tool for progress is to misdiagnose the nature of our crisis and to delay the inevitable reckoning. What Nigeria needs now, with unparalleled urgency, is Total Transformation.
Transformation is the fundamental and profound alteration of the structures, philosophies, and principles that govern a system. It goes beyond surface-level changes to reimagine and recreate an entirely new order. Transformation challenges the status quo, requiring a revolutionary shift in societal behavior, values, and institutions. Reform, on the other hand, is the process of making improvements within an existing framework. It tweaks policies, modifies structures, and enhances processes without addressing the deeper, underlying issues that perpetuate dysfunction. While reform can offer temporary relief, it is inherently limited in its capacity to address foundational crises.
Nigeria’s challenges are not cosmetic; they are systemic. We are witnessing the collapse of old systems, the dysfunction of existing structures, and the erosion of values that once held our society together. Endemic corruption, entrenched inequality, economic paralysis, and a lack of collective purpose have persisted for decades, deepening with each passing year. These are not problems that reform alone can resolve. They demand a paradigm shift, a rethinking of what Nigeria is and what it aspires to be.
Transformation demands a bold and revolutionary approach. It requires the creation of new frameworks, the cultivation of a shared national ethos, and the establishment of institutions designed to embody these ideals. This is not merely an administrative endeavor; it is a spiritual, intellectual, and cultural reawakening. And at the heart of this transformation lies the need for a Broad National Dialogue.
A Broad National Dialogue is essential to harness the collective wisdom of our people. It is an opportunity to bring together the brightest minds – philosophers, thinkers, researchers, and patriots who have spent years reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges and envisioning solutions. These solutions, born of deep study and reflection, must be subjected to rigorous intellectual scrutiny, tested against the realities of our nation, and refined into actionable policies. No government, no matter how well-intentioned, can achieve this alone. It requires the collective effort and ingenuity of a united people.
Such a dialogue will not only provide the intellectual foundation for transformation but will also create a shared sense of purpose and destiny. It will give every Nigerian a voice in the reimagining of our nation and foster the unity needed to drive transformative change. Fundamental challenges demand new thinking, alternative development concepts, and the courage to let go of systems that no longer serve us.
To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we express our sincere appreciation for the reforms your administration has initiated. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving our nation, and they are a testament to your dedication. However, with wisdom and humility, we must acknowledge that reforms, while valuable, cannot address the depth of Nigeria’s challenges. They cannot reverse decades of systemic decline, nor can they lay the foundation for the great and unified nation we aspire to be.
We appeal to you, Mr. President, to rise to this historic occasion with the vision and courage that Nigeria desperately needs. Embrace the transformational approach. Champion the call for a Broad National Dialogue. Invite the thinkers, philosophers, and visionaries who have dedicated their lives to understanding Nigeria’s problems and crafting solutions. Let their wisdom and insights guide your administration in creating a new Nigeria – a nation that is unified, purposeful, and prosperous.
History will remember the leaders who had the courage to confront their nation’s deepest challenges with boldness and imagination. This is your moment, Mr. President. Seize it, not just for your legacy, but for the future of our great nation. Let us build a Nigeria that is not merely reformed but transformed – a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for Africa and the world.
The time is now. The call is urgent. The future awaits. Let us begin the journey of transformation together, for the sake of generations yet unborn.
Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader.
Abdulrahaman is the Founder/President,
Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Project Coordinator,
National Policy Dialogue.