Nigeria’s problems are often explained through the familiar lenses of corruption, poor governance, insecurity, unemployment and weak institutions. While these factors are undeniably important, they are symptoms of a deeper national malaise. At the heart of Nigeria’s underperformance lies a crisis of confidence among those who should have the greatest stake in the country’s success, its political, economic and social elite.Simply put, many of Nigeria’s elites no longer believe in Nigeria.A nation’s elite is expected to serve as the custodian of its future. They shape policy, direct investment, influence public opinion and determine the quality of institutions. More importantly, they demonstrate confidence in their country by where they choose to live, educate their children, receive healthcare and invest their wealth.In Nigeria, however, a troubling contradiction has become the norm.The same political class that urges citizens to be patient with failing public services often sends their children to schools abroad. The same officials responsible for strengthening the healthcare system routinely seek treatment in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Those who preach economic patriotism frequently maintain significant assets outside Nigeria, acquire properties abroad and quietly prepare alternative futures for their families.These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Simply put, many of Nigeria’s elites no longer believe in Nigeria.A nation’s elite is expected to serve as the custodian of its future. They shape policy, direct investment, influence public opinion and determine the quality of institutions. More importantly, they demonstrate confidence in their country by where they choose to live, educate their children, receive healthcare and invest their wealth.In Nigeria, however, a troubling contradiction has become the norm.The same political class that urges citizens to be patient with failing public services often sends their children to schools abroad. The same officials responsible for strengthening the healthcare system routinely seek treatment in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Those who preach economic patriotism frequently maintain significant assets outside Nigeria, acquire properties abroad and quietly prepare alternative futures for their families.These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] A nation’s elite is expected to serve as the custodian of its future. They shape policy, direct investment, influence public opinion and determine the quality of institutions. More importantly, they demonstrate confidence in their country by where they choose to live, educate their children, receive healthcare and invest their wealth.In Nigeria, however, a troubling contradiction has become the norm.The same political class that urges citizens to be patient with failing public services often sends their children to schools abroad. The same officials responsible for strengthening the healthcare system routinely seek treatment in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Those who preach economic patriotism frequently maintain significant assets outside Nigeria, acquire properties abroad and quietly prepare alternative futures for their families.These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] In Nigeria, however, a troubling contradiction has become the norm.The same political class that urges citizens to be patient with failing public services often sends their children to schools abroad. The same officials responsible for strengthening the healthcare system routinely seek treatment in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Those who preach economic patriotism frequently maintain significant assets outside Nigeria, acquire properties abroad and quietly prepare alternative futures for their families.These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] The same political class that urges citizens to be patient with failing public services often sends their children to schools abroad. The same officials responsible for strengthening the healthcare system routinely seek treatment in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Those who preach economic patriotism frequently maintain significant assets outside Nigeria, acquire properties abroad and quietly prepare alternative futures for their families.These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] These choices may be understandable on an individual level. Parents naturally seek the best education for their children, and patients seek the best available healthcare. But collectively, they expose an uncomfortable truth: many of those responsible for fixing Nigeria have arranged their lives so that they no longer depend on the systems they oversee.That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] That disconnect has profound consequences.Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Public institutions improve when influential people rely on them. Schools become better when policymakers’ children attend them. Hospitals improve when senior government officials receive treatment there. Public transport becomes safer and more efficient when those making transport policy use it themselves.Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Nigeria has gradually lost this feedback mechanism.Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Because many decision-makers are insulated from the consequences of poor governance, there is often little urgency to reform failing institutions. The suffering associated with bad roads, overcrowded hospitals, unreliable electricity and underfunded schools is experienced mainly by ordinary citizens, while the elite can often afford private alternatives or seek solutions abroad.The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] The result is predictable. Public confidence declines, institutions weaken further, and national development slows.This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] This erosion of confidence is also evident in the economy.Related NewsLagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-OluLASG pushes mental health awareness, supportOyo panel requests memoranda on school abductionNigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Nigeria continues to experience significant capital flight as individuals and businesses move investments to jurisdictions perceived to offer greater stability and predictability. At the same time, many of the country’s brightest young professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities. The “Japa” phenomenon did not emerge in isolation; it reflects a broader perception that success is easier to achieve outside Nigeria than within it.When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] When citizens observe the country’s most influential figures quietly preparing exit strategies, the message is unmistakable: if those with the greatest access to information and opportunity are hedging against Nigeria’s future, why should everyone else remain optimistic?Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Yet this narrative should not be absolute.Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Across the country, business leaders continue to build factories, technology companies, financial institutions and agricultural enterprises despite difficult operating conditions. Civil society organisations continue to advocate for accountability. Many public servants remain committed to reform, often with limited resources and little recognition. These individuals demonstrate that belief in Nigeria has not disappeared entirely.The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] The challenge is that such examples have yet to become the leadership culture.Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Restoring Nigeria requires more than policy reforms or constitutional amendments. It requires rebuilding confidence, beginning with those who lead.Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Leadership is ultimately an act of example. Citizens are more likely to trust a government whose leaders demonstrate personal confidence in the institutions they manage. Investors are more willing to commit long-term capital when they see domestic investors doing the same. Young people are more inclined to build careers at home when they believe opportunity is genuinely expanding.Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Nigeria’s elite must, therefore, move beyond patriotic rhetoric and embrace patriotic action. This means investing in local institutions, supporting domestic enterprise, strengthening public education, improving healthcare and demonstrating through everyday decisions that Nigeria is worth believing in.No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] No nation can be developed by people who see it merely as a source of wealth while reserving their loyalty for somewhere else.Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not a lack of talent, natural resources or entrepreneurial energy. It is the widening gap between those entrusted with the country’s future and their confidence in that future.Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] Countries rise when their leaders’ destinies are inseparable from those of their citizens. Until Nigeria’s elite begin to tie their fortunes more closely to the nation’s success, the promise of meaningful transformation will remain frustratingly out of reach.The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected] The question, therefore, is not whether ordinary Nigerians believe in their country. It is whether those who lead it still do.Kokome, a communications strategist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos via[email protected]