“How I wish Nigerian politicians could do half what the entertainment industry is doing on the global stage to make Nigeria great”
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
The Nigerian entertainment industry’s impact on the global stage is a beacon of what the country can achieve with the right leadership.
Oh, the magic the Nigerian entertainment industry, both in music and movies, weaves on the global stage! From the enchanting rhythms of Gospels and Afrobeats to the captivating narratives of Nollywood, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has captured the world’s attention. If only our politicians could emulate half of this greatness and positive impact, imagine the heights Nigeria could reach. The whole of US government officials and its citizens would be rushing out in droves to see a visiting Nigerian president as they did on July 25th, 1961 when Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa made a state visit. Nigerian citizens would have been people immensely respected and honoured than despised and eschewed around the world.
Image Description: Motion picture covering the official state visit of Prime Minister Abubakar Balewa of Nigeria to the United States, including welcoming remarks by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Prime Minister’s response, events with President John F. Kennedy, an address by the Prime Minister at the Capitol, stops at other sites in Washington, D.C., and stops in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Illinois, Knoxville, Tennessee, and New York City.
Presented by: United States Information Service (USIS).
Produced by: Thomas Craven Film Corporation.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has produced global superstars who have not only put the country on the map but have also redefined the global perception of Nigeria. Artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Sinach have become household names worldwide, while actors like Genevieve Nnaji have taken Nollywood to unprecedented heights. Their success stories are a testament to the talent, resilience, and creativity inherent in Nigerians.
The Impact of Nigerian Entertainment on the Global Stage
The global influence of Nigerian entertainment is undeniable. Burna Boy, often referred to as the “African Giant,” won a Grammy Award in 2021, solidifying his position as a global music icon. His music, which blends Afrobeats with various global genres, speaks to the universal human experience while retaining a distinctly Nigerian flavor. Similarly, Davido’s infectious beats and collaborations with international artists have earned him a massive following across the world. Sinach’s gospel song, Way Maker has won him innumerable accolades all over the world. I can’t remember how many times I’ve told Google Assistant device to play me a gospel song and what came up was Sinach’s song, oftentimes, a remake by another popular singer. Sinach’s songs are played globally by people of different races and regions.
In the movie industry, Nollywood has grown to become the second-largest film industry globally by volume. Movies like “Lionheart,” directed by Genevieve Nnaji, have garnered international acclaim and have been featured on global platforms like Netflix. This visibility has not only showcased Nigerian culture to the world but has also created economic opportunities and jobs within the country.
A Call to Nigerian Politicians
Now, let’s imagine if Nigerian politicians could channel the same energy, innovation, and global outlook as these entertainment icons who worked so hard to attain their positions. On the contrary, Nigerian politicians are only very popular in terms of personal acquisitions and self-aggrandizements. They compete among themselves to who has the best and biggest house, who has the most collection of expensive cars, who can produce more poor people in their constituencies and wield more influence, and who can have more money, usually in hard currencies, than the other. If only they acquire all these with their own money earned from private business endeavours accumulated over time as is normal with wealth building.
On the global stage, Nigerian politicians are only synonymous with corruption and can’t even be able to engage their foreign counterparts in meaningful diplomatic negotiations that can turn the table in favour of Nigeria. Instead, they are easily wooed into siphoning monies to foreign countries and taking loans that should never be an option for a solution.
Once you mention a Nigerian politician, you know a corrupt person who covets and converts the public fund of the common people to himself and enriches himself and his family alone. Even those of them who were honest, as soon as they gain political position, quickly metamorphose into something diabolical and become engrossed in the dastardly act of public fund looting, embezzlement, and covetousness.
Nigeria is blessed with immense natural and human resources, yet it struggles with issues like corruption, poor infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare. The politicians insist on weaponizing the country’s religious and tribal diversities to divide the country in shreds which makes it difficult for the people to have one voice in terms of choosing the right leader.
Worthy of note is the speech made by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafewa Balewa at the Capitol, during his visit to the United States of America. Nigerian first and only Prime Minister Abubakar Tafewa Balewa said “No one who visits the United States of America will fail to notice the effects of a free society, and a democratic system of government in which the rulers are the embodiment of the will of the people. And where the activities of those who rule are reviewed frankly from time to time by the entire population.”
The entertainment industry’s approach to global standards and excellence could serve as a blueprint for political leadership.
Former US President John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” This call to selfless service and dedication is precisely what is needed in Nigerian politics today. Nigerian politicians must prioritize the nation’s progress over personal gains, much like how entertainment figures strive for excellence and recognition beyond themselves.
Learning from the Entertainment Industry
The Nigerian entertainment industry thrives on creativity, adaptability, and a keen understanding of global trends. Politicians can adopt these principles by:
- Fostering Innovation: Encouraging innovative solutions to Nigeria’s problems by investing in technology and education. Imagine if the same creativity used in Nollywood scripts were applied to policy-making and governance.
- Embracing Transparency: Just as artists and filmmakers are held accountable by their audiences, politicians should be transparent and accountable to the public. This builds trust and drives engagement.
- Promoting Inclusivity: The entertainment industry thrives because it is inclusive and reflective of diverse Nigerian cultures and experiences. Politicians should ensure that governance is inclusive, representing all ethnicities, genders, and social classes.
- Seeking Global Partnerships: The entertainment industry has flourished through global collaborations. Nigerian politicians should seek international partnerships to enhance development in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Positive Change Through Political Will
Winston Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” Nigerian politicians must take responsibility for the country’s progress. By leveraging Nigeria’s strengths and addressing its challenges head-on, they can pave the way for a better future. The success of the entertainment industry shows that Nigerians have the potential to excel on the global stage; what is needed is the political will to harness this potential for national development.
If Nigerian politicians can emulate the creativity, dedication, and global outlook of the entertainment industry, there is no limit to what the nation can achieve. By focusing on innovation, transparency, inclusivity, and international collaboration, Nigerian politicians can lead the country to greatness, much like its entertainers have done on the global stage.
The potential for greatness is immense, and the time for Nigerian politicians to step up is now. As the entertainment industry continues to shine, it serves as a constant reminder that with the right approach and mindset, Nigeria can truly become a global powerhouse.
As Nelson Mandela famously said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” It’s time for Nigerian politicians to make the impossible possible for the betterment of Nigeria.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
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