What is Nation Building?

According to Britannica.com, Nation building can be defined as, “a concerted project to construct or rebuild a nation-state and its underlying institutions and sense of community.”

What is the objective or goal of nation building?

1. The goal of nation building is to create a unified and resilient nation capable of addressing its challenges and pursuing its collective interests, ultimately contributing to the stability and prosperity of the country.
2. The objective of nation building can be to create a cohesive nation-state that never existed or that never properly functioned or to rebuild one that has collapsed or has been destroyed” “https://www.britannica.com/topic/nation-building accessed 20th Oct 2023.”

What is a nation?

What makes us a unique nation, is not because we speak the same language or have the same cultural background, but our uniqueness is derived from the diversity that binds us together, and makes us strong, giving us a rich antecedent in the annals of history, creating a present that is spiced and a future that is promising. In the words of Deborah Day, “Our differences are an amazing gift of diversity, making this world a vibrant tapestry of cultures.”

What is not nation building?

Nation building is not about negativity, nepotism, fake news, politics, false activism, fear mongering, sharing defeatism or hopelessness, etc. According to the great sage, the late Dr. Tai Solarin, “There’s no hope for a people who are enslaved, either by their own fear or by the fear imposed on them by others.”

Challenges of Nation Building

Nation building, is without doubt, challenging, complicated and exhausting. And for our nation, Nigeria, the challenges are real and must be recognised for us to forge ahead. Amongst these challenges, are;

1. Historical legacies: Our past does not necessarily have to define us, but we can learn a lesson or two from it and forge ahead with how we want the future to be like. We can’t hang on to the biases of yesterday and hope for something different today…we must situate and recognise our past legacies for us to forge ahead in nation building.
2. Ethnic, religious, and cultural divisions: For a long time and till date, we have allowed this to drive the wedge between us. We have allowed ourselves to be stooges of politicians and charlatans in public offices and in private office by dancing to the tune of Peter Piper. Yes, we are different, that should not form the basis of not forging a common identity, rather it should be the rallying cry, “though tribes and tongue may differ in brotherhood we stand…”
3. Economic development and disparities: Various parts of the country have developed differently largely due to economics of scale and good leadership. Corruption is the number one bane of economic development of our nation, and it is situated in a desire to wrong the perceived economic disparity and make for lost years by stealing from the commonwealth of the people when it gets to “your turn” in the office. This really does not solve any problem it exacerbates it, hindering genuine efforts at nation building.
4. External influences and intervention: We allow ourselves to be pawns in the hands of countries who seek their own profit to our own detrimental growth. Not only countries, but we have Nigerians in other countries, openly fueling rebellion and causing chaos in the nation in the relative comfort of “saner countries”. This needs to be stopped.
5. Lack of capacity and resources: Human resources is the greatest element in nation building. Not just anybody, but men and women who live above the cloud in public duty and private thinking, not enamoured by the glamour of office but focused on the goal and task at hand. The scriptures records, “Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup, And whose princes party all night. Lucky the land whose king is mature, Where the princes behave themselves and don’t drink themselves silly. * * *” Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 MSG. Young pup is not in terms of age, but mental acumen, depth of character and integrity.
6. Political instability: When we politicize every action and decision, we are like a boat in a sea storm…tossed here and there. We allow our political differences define us, and in the real sense, our political differences is not based on ideology, but rather, the political party in power and the party that rides on populist tendencies. For us to grow, we need to come to terms with our salient ideology, that really defines us and can help nurture and build a nation.

What does it entail to build a nation?

Building a nation requires so many things. But will highlight just two,

1. You/People
2. Commitment 

To build our nation is not a fickle task, neither is it a gargantuan task. It requires a simple task, embracing our diversity. According to Dave Donavan, “Diversity is not a liability, and homogeneity is not an asset. Diversity is a strength, and homogeneity is a weakness.” We must not practice Animal farm, ““all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” a testament to colonial mindset of the West… (topic for another day).

Examples of successful nation building

1. Germany and Japan after World War 2: After World War 2, both Germany and Japan faced widespread destruction and political turmoil. They successfully rebuilt their nations with the help of international assistance. The process involved not only physical reconstruction but also significant political and economic reforms. Germany and Japan developed strong democracies, robust economies, and stable political systems. The success of these two countries is often cited as examples of how a nation can recover and rebuild after a devastating conflict, demonstrating the importance of international cooperation and effective governance.
2. South Africa after post-apartheid: South Africa’s transition from apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination, to a democratic and inclusive nation is a remarkable example of successful nation-building. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission played a crucial role in addressing the legacy of apartheid, promoting reconciliation, and healing the nation’s wounds. South Africa’s journey towards a multi-racial democracy and its commitment to addressing historical injustices is considered a model for other countries grappling with similar challenges.
3. Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kwan Yew: Under his leadership, Singapore transformed from a struggling, newly independent state into a prosperous and stable nation. His leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on good governance, economic development, and meritocracy. His policies led to significant economic growth and a high standard of living. Singapore is often cited as a model for rapid development, showing how visionary leadership and effective governance can shape the destiny of a nation.
4. Rwanda’s recovery after the genocide: After experiencing a devastating genocide in 1994, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. The country faced immense challenges in the aftermath. Remarkably, Rwanda has made significant progress in the years since the genocide. The government has focused on reconciliation, justice, and economic development. Rwanda’s recovery is seen as a testament to the power of national healing, effective leadership, and international support in rebuilding a nation torn apart by conflict and violence.

Steps to Nation Building

1. We see ourselves foremost as One Nigeria….and not south, east, west, or north. “To survive in peace and harmony, united and strong, we must have one people, one nation, one flag” Pauline Hanson
2. The best of the country should lead, and we be deliberate to do away with nepotistic behaviour and sentiments for the country to develop. In the words of Tai Solarin, “It is the duty of every true nationalist to work hard for the development of his country.”
3. We should join hands to build a nation worth living in without pointing to others to build it. In the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
4. We should take pride in our nation and stop bad mouthing, cussing, and cursing at it. According to Idowu Koyenikan, “Your pride for your country should not come after your country becomes great; your country becomes great because of your pride in it”.
5. Let us, be worthy leaders that reflect the future we desire as individuals and as a people. “Show me the heroes that the youth of your country look up to, and I will tell you the future of your country” Idowu Koyenikan.
6. Deliberate steps must be undertaken to end the endemic corruption in the country. In the words of Pastor Tunde Bakare, “…kill corruption, and not Nigerians. No economy can thrive on impunity”. We must strengthen our institutions to deliver on their constitutional role without fear or favor. The moment our institutions are independent, then truly we are enroute to building our nation.
7. We must be deliberately involved in the political process…every single step and day and not be involved, only on a 4-year election circle basis. The best must start now, and not on the eve of the electioneering year. “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” – Plato

Conclusion

President Nelson Mandela, during his presidential inaugural speech in Pretoria, South Africa on the 10th of May 1994, stated that; “We understand it still that there is no easy road to freedom. We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success. We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world. Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign.”

If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. – Ronald Reagan

As Nigerians, we need to address the fears that confront us as a nation…and ask ourselves the question, what is the best we can do? JF Kennedy, told the United States they would put a man on the moon and drove all conversations to that one goal, until it was achieved. What really limits us as Nigerians? Or limit you as a Nigerian citizen? Enough of the excuses and finger pointing…take ownership and responsibility. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” “Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”