Once upon a time, in a small community, there lived a man (let’s call him Musty), who seemed to have an uncanny knack for spreading negativity about his own family. It appeared to be one of his favourite things to do. He would relentlessly accuse his wife of infidelity, broadcasting his suspicions to anyone who cared to listen. However, a profound lesson awaited him, one that speaks volumes about our collective responsibility in portraying our country in a positive light.
One day, this man decided to confide in his friend (Haz) at their regular watering hole. Musty looked distraught as he recounted a quarrel with a neighbour who had retaliated with equally hurtful words, words that left him with a heavy heart. The neighbour had called his children “bastards” and urged him to cease raising other people’s offspring. The neighbour had told the man to return the children to their real fathers and try to have his, while there was still time.
In an attempt to console his distraught friend, Faz reminded him that someone who labels his own wife as an adulteress should know that a day may come when his own children would be called “bastards.”
The reason for this is not far-fetched. Only a DNA can prove for sure who owns the children in a marriage where the husband is suspicious of his spouse.
This anecdote serves as a poignant metaphor for the broader issue at hand: the need for citizens to desist from portraying their country negatively. In today’s interconnected world, the impact of such negative portrayals extends beyond our families to our entire nation, with real-world consequences.
Recently, an unfortunate incident involving Chicago University’s social media account on the platform X highlighted the severe consequences of unbridled negativity. Cyberbullying by Nigerians erupted on the platform amid a heated debate about whether President Bola Tinubu had attended the university. The backlash was so severe that Chicago University was forced to temporarily deactivate its account.
This has been the trend over time. Once a particular group of people do not agree with the views held by another, they converge on the person’s social media and continue to bully them.
This got worse since the February 2023 general election and has continued unchecked for long.
Instances like this underscore why the late former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili, initiated the “Rebranding Nigeria” project to address and correct misconceptions about our nation and revamp the country’s image. Even though that campaign and others like it have were with cynicism, as they were said to be lacking in the fundamental issues facing the country and its people, it was launched back in 2018 at a time when issues weren’t as dire as they are today. One can only wonder how she would tackle such challenges if she was here and given the opportunity.
Today, the social media plays a pivotal role in shaping national perceptions, and the so-called Gen Z generation, in particular, wields considerable influence. However, it is regrettable that, in many instances, they have done more harm than good when it comes to our country’s reputation. The actions, comments, and behaviour of some individuals online have painted Nigeria in an unflattering light.
It is important for citizens to refrain from portraying the country in bad light because such negative portrayal could hurt us in ways we cannot imagine, as it played out in the case of the man.
In an age of globalisation, the way our country is perceived internationally significantly impacts foreign investments, tourism, and diplomatic relations. Negative portrayals hold the potential to deter potential investors, tourists, and allies, ultimately affecting our nation’s growth and development.
A tarnished national image can deter foreign businesses from investing in Nigeria, just as negative portrayal could lead to job losses and hinder our economic growth and prosperity.
As global citizens, we have a responsibility to contribute positively to the international community and negativity not only reflects poorly on our nation but also diminishes our potential to participate effectively in global problem-solving and cooperation.
A nation divided internally by negative stereotypes and perceptions is unlikely to thrive. Portraying our country positively fosters a sense of unity, patriotism, and shared purpose among citizens, which are essential for progress and development.
Citizens must consciously work to promote constructive dialogue by engaging in open and constructive conversations about the challenges the country faces and focus on solutions and collaboration, rather than pointing fingers.
Social media platforms provide a powerful means to influence perceptions and should be used to highlight our country’s beauty, culture, achievements, and positive stories.
While it is in the place of citizens to hold public office holders to account and also criticize them as the need arises, citizens must also support government initiatives and organisations working towards rebranding Nigeria positively as some of these efforts can only succeed with the active participation of the citizenry.
The internet is filled with tons of information and it is imperative for critical thinking and media literacy to be encouraged among the younger generation, to equip them with the skills to discern between accurate information and misinformation (fake news).
As citizens, we share a broad responsibility to portray our nation in a positive light.
In an age where the world is closely watching and interconnected through digital channels, our words and actions have far-reaching consequences. By collectively embracing positivity and unity, we can work towards building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
The choice is ours, and the time to make that change is now.
