Former presidential aide and socio-political commentator, Reno Omokri, has strongly addressed Nigerians who frequently focus on the country’s difficulties, often saying ‘May Nigeria never happen to me’ as if bad experiences are unique to the nation.
In a detailed statement shared on his social media platforms, Omokri criticized this mindset, urging citizens to acknowledge that life inevitably presents both challenges and successes, regardless of location. He emphasized that Nigeria, despite ongoing struggles, continues to make progress in numerous sectors, and that citizens should recognize these achievements rather than dwell solely on negatives.
Omokri noted that some Nigerians have a habit of attributing personal misfortunes directly to the nation, while conveniently ignoring positive developments that occur within the country. He drew comparisons with other nations, particularly the United States, stating that despite recording approximately 20,000 murders annually, Americans rarely condemn their country in the same sweeping manner. “Good and bad are as universal as day and night and are part of the ying yang of human existence,” he added.
Reno Omokri highlights recent achievements
To illustrate Nigeria’s ongoing progress, Omokri cited a range of recent government accomplishments. Among these, he mentioned the student loan scheme that has positively impacted over 600,000 Nigerians, the decline in food inflation from 21.88% in July to 20.12% in August, and record-breaking electricity generation that recently peaked at 5,801.84MW, the highest in the country’s history. He argued that these milestones reflect tangible improvements in citizens’ lives and demonstrate effective governance in specific areas.
Additionally, Omokri highlighted Nigeria’s remarkable transition from being Africa’s largest petrol importer to becoming the leading exporter of refined petroleum products in West Africa. He noted that this development has contributed to a reduction in domestic fuel prices, marking one of the significant economic achievements of recent civilian administrations, comparable only to the governments of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan. He emphasized that such accomplishments should be acknowledged and celebrated rather than overshadowed by pessimism.
Omokri’s remarks came in the context of reflecting on the tragic demise of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who had previously expressed a personal prayer that “Nigeria never happens” to her or anyone she loved, highlighting a sentiment shared by many citizens who focus on misfortunes rather than achievements.
Sommie’s tragic passing
Prior to her unfortunate death, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu had voiced concerns about the country’s state, praying that negative events did not befall her or her loved ones. Her untimely passing served as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability and the universality of both positive and negative experiences across all nations.
In his response, Reno Omokri stated in part …
“May Nigeria Happen To Me And Keep Happening To Me As Long As I Live! When bad things happen, enemies of this country are quick to say that ‘Nigeria has happened’ to them. But they take the good that occurs to them in Nigeria personally, without attributing it to our great nation. Good and bad are as universal as day and night and are part of the ying yang of human existence. Please fact-check me: Every year in America, 20,000 people are murdered. That is more than twice the murder rate in Nigeria. Have you ever heard Americans badmouthing their country as a result of this? This is Earth. This is not heaven!”
He further explained that citizens should adopt a balanced perspective, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges that Nigeria presents, and that continual complaints without acknowledging progress undermines national pride and collective efforts to build a better society.
Omokri concluded by urging Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements, embrace resilience in the face of difficulties, and avoid the habit of personalizing national challenges in a manner that fosters negativity and despair among citizens.[/p>