The founder of Menroi Rural Priority Foundation, Prof Kohol Iornem, has challenged Nigerians to copy positive things that happen in other climes, the same way they do when comparing the wrong in such climes. Menroi is a non-profit organisation committed to development issues and mentorship.
Sharing his thoughts on the state of the nation, on his Facebook account, Prof Iornem wrote:
“Three years ago, I got a job with the London Metropolitan Police. The screening process took almost a year, but I passed all the drills. I was offered my uniform and all the necessary gear to start, but I turned down the offer because I wanted to return to my home country to contribute my quota. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned while in Nigeria.
“When I returned to the UK, I applied to several institutions for a lecturing role. I got some rejections but also got many offers. I didn’t need any connections or insider help to get the job.
“Sadly, we all desire a better Nigeria, but we are still relying on connections to get jobs—jobs that, on many occasions, are given to people who are not qualified. It is worrisome that if you are qualified but not connected, you may not be employed.
“When you put unqualified people in certain positions, you are creating a recipe for disaster.
“When things go wrong with our country, we are quick to say it happens even in developed countries. Let us copy the good practices, too.
“Because we have normalized bad practices, prayers have become our lifeline and hope. No wonder Pew Research Centre argues that we are the 2nd most prayerful country on earth.”
