Happy Birthday!

I almost never write the cliche valentine's day post, 9-11 post or special holiday's post. This time however, I've been looking forward to the Independence day post.

Nigeria would be 48 0r is it 49 years old, and writer s worldwide would write lengthy essays about how little we've achieved in the last 49 years. Sadly they would be right. A fool at 4o they say.... can you imagine a fool at 50?

Recent events in the world however would not allow for Nigeria to continue along the same path of mediocrity for too long. I might be overly optimistic, but I believe there's something in the offing for our dear motherland.

First, the world has become a global village. What this means is that we can't afford to live in our little bubble for too long, even if we wanted to.

Just a couple of months ago, everyone watched the spectacle that was the Beijing olympics. The Chinese left not a single doubt in the minds of everybody worldwide that they have become a contending force and they are here to say.
Wasn't it too long ago that China was considered an underdeveloped country. Right now, they are fast-tracking to the position of Developed, and I sure say they deserve it.
China gave America a run for their money in the olympics, just as they have been doing in Science and Technology. A few years ago, most of the leading scientists involved in ground breaking research in America were Asians. Now China is luring all their scientists back home, building state of the art laboratories for them and paying them as well too. Now no PI can dangle an H1-B visa in front of the nose of a chinese scientist who knows what's in store at home.
The technology they presented at the olympics was fascinating and what's more, they are now ready to make their space launch! (or have completed it by now)

As someone who hasn't been so much into politics, I've certainly been following the American Presidential election. Even though no process is without its flaws, I can't help but draw sharp contrasts with the American electoral process.
Americans know they are not perfect, but they certainly expect someone who is near perfect to be at the helm of the affairs of their country. From the way Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama swung it out in the democratic primaries, I wonder if Yar'adua and Atiku could have put up the same fight. Even more, I wonder if the PDP would let them.

The presidential campaigns also provide a measure of interest(what with the palinmania, calling off campaigns, SNL interviews, deal or no deal...can you blame me?) and for one who cannot vote, I've sure been paying a lot of attention. The main focus of the election now is the Economy and each candidate is scrambling to be seen as the one who can fix it. In 2004, George Bush won because the main issue was national security,post 9-11.
If the process were to be the same in Nigeria, I can bet the issue of the day would be Electricity. I can't help but imagine the possiblity of the PDP candidate and the AD candidate trying to convince Nigerians that they can fix the mess that is NEPA.(it would sure be fun to watch!)

Alas, today is not about China or America. Its about Nigeria. I follow the news in Nigeria on a daily basis, and to some extent I'm cognizant about the general happenings in the country. It seems as if the wind of change that Obama has been championing, that McCain has now hijacked has finally blown its way into Nigeria.
Our once slow Yardy is finally shaking things up and getting rid of the Old boys' network on Aso Rock. Even though our change may not come as sweepingly as it has for our friends in the western world, even though it may not be as selfless as it appears to be, It is still change nonetheless. America didn't get to where it is in 49 years, we'll take baby steps, but I know we'll walk.
There is a reverse brain drain going on in the diaspora right now, its like the Jews going back all over again. Nigerians in the U.K and America are returning home to put their skills to use - and u know we Nigerians gat mad skillz! Its even hit blogsville, Atutu has returned and so have countless others. Those that haven't are thinking about going back to observe the youth service, in the hopes of going back at a later date.

with all this combined, I see a brighter future for Nigeria, infact I'm overly optimistic about that country. Maybe for the first time in a long time, I'll wear green and white today and show my solidarity. (ok, I lied about that last bit)