When Nelson Mandela said, “The world will not respect Africa until Nigeria earns that respect,” he was speaking about political and economic development in Africa, with Nigeria as its centre of gravity.
Politically
Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and the largest black nation in the world. Mandela believed that if Nigeria could prove that black people can run a stable democracy, conduct peaceful elections, and produce leaders who do not confuse public office with an avenue for personal wealth, then the rest of Africa would fall in line.
That is why he warned:
“You should encourage leaders to emerge who will not confuse public office with sources of making personal wealth. Corrupt people do not make good leaders.”
Economically
He argued that Nigeria had let Africa down because, despite its vast oil wealth, the level of poverty remained unacceptable.
His logic was likely anchored on three premises:
- Political stability in Nigeria means political stability for West Africa.
- Economic success in Nigeria provides a replicable model and a market for all of Africa.
- If Nigeria fails, investors and world powers will conclude: “If Nigeria cannot get it right, no African country can.”
That is why many have paraphrased his words as: “For Africa to get it right, Nigeria must get it right.”
This powerful phrase has fascinated the founder of Magazine Afrique (MAfrique) and inspired the editorial team to embark on a special project — a series of productions focused on Nigeria.
Mohammed Sikiru Shehu, a strong believer that A Better Nigeria is Possible, has not only given the directive for this series but has also volunteered to share his thoughts on the journey to a better Nigeria.
As Africa’s biggest democracy prepares for what many describe as the mother of all elections – the 2027 General Elections – Magazine Afrique is pleased to welcome Mohammed Sikiru Shehu as he sets the agenda for the possibility of a better Nigeria through his exclusive series: “A Better Nigeria is Possible.”
