Nigeria's reputation around the world

I have done a fair bit of travelling around the world, and I am amazed how far Nigerians travel on their green passport. This in itself has a downside, as every where I have been Nigerians are always treated as third class citizens. Our reputation around the world has been deeply tarnished through drug charges, money laundering, being insolent, loud and abusive. Many organisations have created rules to contain our bad behaviour. I'll give you an example.

I was told that a particular airline that flies to Nigeria has told its cabin crew to stand in the aisles to prevent passengers from rushing to the door as soon as the plane lands. This is just to contain us, and to get us to do the right thing we are now treated like 7 year olds. Its a similar picture everywhere around the world, we are truly a shameless people.

We need to begin to change our attitude in the spirit of patriotism, true ambassadors of our motherland. Lets get back to those times when General Idi Agbon brought some sense of decency and pride to be called a Nigerian. Self-discipline and self-restraint will make the international community take note, and we will become a people that are respected the world over once again.

Your qualifications mean nothing unless......

I have come to a conclusion that having many letters after ones name is meaningless if the person with the qualification does not adhere to the code of ethics that guides the person's profession. The fact that you qualified as a medical doctor does not qualify you to practice as one.

My aunt and uncle who live in the USA just recently returned from a visit to Nigeria. During their stay my aunt sustained an injury that required a stitch to the upper part of her eyelid. The first challenge she faced was finding a recommended private hospital where she could be treated, when they did find a recommended hospital, the doctor who attended to her was so poorly dressed that his personal hygiene was questionable.

When the stitches were taken out at a different hospital due to their travelling schedule my aunt was attended by a doctor whose license needed to be withdrawn for the fact that as he removed the stitches he dropped them on the ground. I am not a medical doctor and neither do I have a medical background but I know that those stitches constitute a biological waste and must be disposed off in a controlled manner.

These medical doctors may have the knowledge to work as doctors, but practically the general code of ethics that a doctor should abide by are flaunted. Going to University to get a degree does not make you a qualified doctor, a qualified medical doctor is one that does his or her best to be a shinning beacon in his or her profession despite the challenging environment he or she operates in, and I hope that there are still many Nigerian medical doctors who are shinning beacons.

Have you ever wondered?

Have you ever wondered why Nigeria's infrastructure is crumbling? Ever wondered why after almost 50 years of independence our roads are in a state of disrepair, or a 24 hour uninterupted power supply is all but a distant dream? Ever wondered why most Nigerians who have lived overseas are more likely to be corrupt than those who have never left the country? Ever wondered why most of our leaders who studied overseas and seen how things work in the western world, are unable implement these best practices when they get back to their fatherland?

Ever wondered why most of us talk the talk but do not walk the walk? Ever wondered why Nigeria despite its wealth of human and natural resources is overall still a very poor nation? Ever wondered?

Welcome to my blog, welcome to my Nigerian perspective!