Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has found herself at the center of a heated debate after her manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, issued a scathing critique of the Nigerian government on social media. Awoniyi’s blunt assertion—that Nigeria has no plans for its citizens—has ignited conversations about the responsibilities of both the government and the citizenry in shaping the nation’s future. While some agree with Awoniyi’s sentiments, others argue that placing blame solely on the government overlooks the role individuals must play in nation-building.
Awoniyi’s post, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions across the country. His message was simple yet provocative: “Nigeria has no plans for you.” The statement, while harsh, resonated with many Nigerians who feel disillusioned by the lack of progress in key areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment.
“For decades, we’ve been told to wait patiently for change,” Awoniyi explained in subsequent interviews. “But waiting is not enough. If the government isn’t planning for us, then we must plan for ourselves.”
Awoniyi’s words struck a chord with many, particularly among the youth, who often feel let down by the slow pace of development. The frustration is palpable, especially among those who have witnessed the deterioration of public services and the rising cost of living. “It’s frustrating to see promises broken year after year,” said Uche Okoro, a university student in Lagos. “It feels like we’re constantly waiting for something that never arrives.”
While Awoniyi’s message garnered widespread agreement, it also drew criticism from those who felt it unfairly absolved the government of its responsibilities. “Blaming the government entirely ignores the role of individuals in shaping the nation,” argued Chidi Nwosu, a political analyst. “Expecting too little from ourselves undermines the collective effort needed to drive change.”
The debate spilled into various forums, with voices from all walks of life weighing in. Some argued that placing all the blame on the government fosters a culture of dependency, while others contended that the government’s failures necessitate a shift in mindset among citizens. The discussion highlighted the complexities of governance and the need for both accountability and personal responsibility.
Adding fuel to the fire was Tems’ brother, Rema, who recently echoed similar sentiments in an interview. The Afrobeats sensation lamented the pervasive negativity surrounding Nigeria, urging his peers not to lose faith in the country. “Many have given up on Nigeria because of the challenges we face,” Rema said. “But we must remember that nation-building is a joint effort. It’s not just the government’s job—it’s ours too.”
Rema’s impassioned plea struck a chord with many young Nigerians, who have grown weary of the endless cycles of disappointment. “We need to stop waiting for someone else to fix our problems,” said Aisha Adeyemi, a social media influencer. “If we want change, we have to take action.”
The debate underscores a fundamental question: Who bears the responsibility for Nigeria’s progress? While the government is tasked with implementing policies and providing essential services, individuals also play a critical role in shaping the nation’s trajectory. Rema’s vow to contribute to Nigeria’s development through his music and activism exemplifies the idea that everyone has a part to play.
“Nation-building is not just about waiting for the government to act,” said Dr. Sarah Nwosu, a sociologist. “It’s about individuals stepping up, whether through volunteering, entrepreneurship, or civic engagement. Change starts with us.”
Nigeria’s challenges are not unique, but they are particularly acute given the country’s size and diversity. Decades of mismanagement, corruption, and poor governance have eroded trust in institutions, leaving many citizens feeling disenchanted. The recent spate of economic downturns, coupled with rising insecurity, has only exacerbated these feelings.
Yet, amidst the gloom, there are signs of hope. Grassroots movements, driven by young people, are gaining traction, advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. These initiatives, while small in scale, demonstrate the power of collective action and the potential for change.
The discourse surrounding Awoniyi’s post and Rema’s interview highlights the need for unity and collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s challenges. While the government must prioritize good governance and service delivery, citizens must also commit to active participation in shaping the nation’s future.
“Change begins when we stop pointing fingers and start working together,” said activist Oluwaseun Adeyemi. “We must hold our leaders accountable, but we must also hold ourselves accountable. Nigeria’s future depends on all of us.”
As the conversation continues, the challenge lies in translating rhetoric into action. The youth, in particular, hold the key to Nigeria’s future. Their energy, creativity, and determination can drive transformative change—if channeled effectively.
For now, the debate sparked by Awoniyi’s post serves as a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration. Whether the government listens or not, the onus is on individuals to take charge of their destinies. As Rema so eloquently put it, “The business of nation-building is for both citizens and government.”
Muyiwa Awoniyi’s warning to youths about expecting much from the government has ignited a vital conversation about the responsibilities of both state and citizen in Nigeria. While the government’s failures cannot be ignored, the debate also underscores the importance of personal accountability and collective action. As the nation grapples with its challenges, the youth stand at a crossroads: to wait passively or to actively contribute to the country’s development. For now, the call to action is clear: Nigeria’s future depends on all of us.
