Chinua Achebe and Kemi Badenoch, two powerful voices from different generations, share a unified yet stark view of Nigeria’s struggles. In The Trouble with Nigeria (1983), Achebe condemned the disorder, corruption, and inefficiency plaguing the country, describing it as “one of the most unpleasant places on earth.” Decades later, Kemi Badenoch, Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition in the UK Parliament, echoes these frustrations, having herself “run away” from Nigeria—a path increasingly taken by many, popularizing the Yoruba term “Japa,” which means to flee or escape. Those who remain, and those who’ve left, share a common hope: that Nigeria will one day rise above its challenges for the sake of future generations.

Achebe’s generation was acutely aware of these issues, yet Badenoch’s experiences reveal the persistence of these deep-rooted problems. This raises a critical question: are these issues so entrenched that they will continue to hinder Nigeria’s progress? Many Nigerians, disillusioned, lose faith in the country’s ability to provide opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

While both Achebe and Badenoch sought new horizons—Achebe in the U.S. and Badenoch in the UK—their visions for Nigeria are strikingly aligned. Each left in search of a better life, but they share a yearning for a transformed Nigeria. Their message is both clear and enduring: Nigeria is a country of immense potential, but it requires substantial, radical reform to fulfill the aspirations of those who remain within its borders and those who, from afar, continue to hope for its brighter future.

Ambassador Uzo Owunne