We have all been touched by the scourge of bad governance.
It’s like a pestilence that has ravaged our land without mercy as we watch, helpless.
The Nigerian healthcare sector in recent times has never risen above the dust.
We are either battling with poor salaries or poor infrastructure or empty leadership to “massive brain drain”.
Now like never before in the history of the whole of Africa, we are experiencing a historical exodus of healthcare professionals; we see nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists, all moving in droves to developed countries.
It’s not all creamy and buttery out there, it’s tough and you have to work really hard, but it’s better than working hard in a country that doesn’t know your value. Working hard in a country where you can’t see what your tax is being used for. No light, no water, and no security — basic things human beings should never beg for.
When you see a young medical doctor or nurse today in a place like Lagos state or Abuja working two to three jobs and searching for LOCUM slots all over the place, don’t you dare think they are trying to gather funds to build houses or buy properties!
They are trying to save money to leave the country. They are saving money to write international exams and pay for migration processes.
Many to the United Kingdom, some to the United States of America, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, and other developed countries.
Will this exodus ever stop? Well, I doubt if it will stop soon because the need for healthcare professionals out there, especially nurses is on the rise. And a country like Nigeria does not care about anything [the present political leadership is hell!] save how to win elections and enrich their families and friends.
If only you know how much is been spent on medical tourism yearly in Nigeria. You will wonder. Why can’t these enormous resources be channeled into the building and development of the healthcare sector in the country?
The coming presidential election in Nigeria is like a joint in the history of Nigeria. It will either usher this country into a regime of growth, development, and prosperity or plunge us deeper into the doldrums.
We all have a mandatory civic right to stand for what is correct and good for our country.
I know, it’s obvious, that more than 80% of healthcare professionals in Nigeria [if not more] do not care about the political state of the country.
They feel that they have an express escape route because of their profession. So, many do not even care at all. Many don’t vote. They don’t participate in electoral activities or campaigns.
You see, mindsets like these are part of the micro problems of a great country like Nigeria. “I DON’T CARE”. After all, I am traveling to the United Kingdom in a few months. It’s none of my business.
If the leadership of Britain did not work and labor to build their states to what it is now will you even dare think of going there to look for greener pastures?
No one is saying looking for greener pasture is wrong, what I am trying to let you know is that we are all responsible for the growth and development of our country [one way or the other, directly or indirectly.]
When you ask some healthcare professionals in Nigeria, especially nurses and doctors what the coming elections will look like, they are quick to hush you, reminding you that they pray not to be in the country during the next election.
Like the coming election is judgment day and they are running away from it.
It’s a sad reality. And it aches me.
Now, I pray and desire that your dreams come true, that you can get good jobs in developed countries. However, I want to remind you that this is your country.
This is home and anything that happens to home happens to you no matter where you find yourself on the face of the planet.
Let’s stop it.
Let’s drop this bad attitude of political apathy.
It doesn’t matter what your religion or faith tells you.
A religion that is not concerned about societal good does not care about society, it doesn’t matter how pure and sanctimonious they think they are.
This is the only world we have now, and we must do all we can to preserve it.
Even if you feel voting might not be possible for your because you are migrating, why not lend your voice to what is good?
Join a campaign online.
Donate if you can. In your own little way bring forth your heartfelt support.
Movement Of The Young People
I am a student of history [we all should be.]
I love history; it hardly lies [though some try to manipulate it]. I have picked studying history as a hobby. And I learn a lot from studying history.
You see, some of the young people in Nigeria have not fully come to grasp the present situation of Nigeria.
Nigeria is sick, bleeding, and dying, slowly.
And the only escape route is if the young Nigerian man and woman rise up to save her.
The young people of Nigeria have suddenly been jostled out of their sleepy reality by a national patriotic call to fight for the future of this great nation.
I was speaking with an elderly patient of mine recently, and he made a statement that touched my heart, he said [I paraphrase] “Every young Nigerian must arise and fight for the future of this country. As for us, the older generation, our time has past.”
To be honest, we don’t know how the next election will pan out. We are only hopeful and praying and working.
This piece is to encourage all healthcare professionals in Nigeria and the diaspora to come together and join this movement. It doesn’t matter where you are right now. What matters most is you joining the movement of the young people.
Enough is enough. The time to stand up and defend this great nation is now.
If you have been cold towards it, I plead with you, shake off the winter and dance into the heat.
We can take back our country.
Your friend in the school of Innovation, Leadership & Learning.
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