The Nigerian dream: Is it still alive?

By Blessing Fali

Nigerians have continued to hold on to the hope of building a better life through hard work, education and determination. However, columnist Ejiro Ofoye has questioned whether the Nigerian Dream is still within reach for ordinary citizens.

Ofoye said the Nigerian Dream represents the hope of parents who want better lives for their children, graduates seeking decent jobs, traders hoping to grow their businesses and workers who want salaries that can meet their basic needs.

According to him, Nigeria remains a country with enormous potential, including a large youthful population, natural resources, agricultural opportunities and a vibrant entrepreneurial population. However, he stressed that potential alone cannot translate into prosperity.

He noted that millions of Nigerians are struggling with the rising costs of food, transportation, housing, electricity, healthcare and education.

Ofoye also questioned the impact of economic growth when many families are still unable to afford basic necessities, while businesses continue to battle high energy costs and unreliable electricity.

He identified insecurity as another major challenge, stressing that Nigerians need safe communities, roads and farms for economic activities to thrive.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Ofoye urged Nigerians to focus on ideas, competence, character and performance rather than political slogans and promises.

He also called on citizens to take responsibility for the country’s challenges by rejecting corruption, vote buying and politics based on ethnicity, religion and personal connections.

Despite the difficulties, Ofoye argued that the Nigerian Dream is not dead. He said it remains alive in students, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and other citizens who continue to work and hope for a better future.

He urged leaders to create jobs, improve electricity supply, secure communities and build an economy where honest hard work is rewarded.

Ofoye concluded that Nigerians should not merely be encouraged to dream of a better country, but should be given the opportunity to actually live that dream.