The Russia-Ukraine war is approaching its second year, with no decisive victory in sight for the Russian invaders. The growing aggression in the war in Ukraine has had a massive global impact, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Millions of people were displaced as refugees across the borders. Many Nigerian students were caught up in this unfortunate crisis.
What the war has demonstrated is the clear Ukrainian love for their country. In the midst of stories of killing, shelling, and bombardment of innocent civilians on a daily or even hourly basis, leading to millions fleeing Ukraine, many more millions of Ukrainians have elected to remain in their country and defend their country. It is gratifying to see ordinary people not only volunteer to join the army but to stand up to invaders sometimes with only stones, petrol bombs and pride in their country, and sheer determination to defend the fatherland.
We see even the Ukrainian elites such as professionals, sportspeople, models, and exiles living in the west readily give up privileges to join in the war effort. The Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, represents this mindset that East or West, Home is the best. In an astonishing demonstration of courageous leadership, Zelensky chose to remain and lead the fight on the ground rather than sneak away through the back door in the dead of night. While this bravery has attracted the solidarity of the World, no western forces have deployed troops to fight with the Ukrainians.
Why is it easy then for African elites to too quickly abandon the ‘war of underdevelopment’ at home and flee at the slightest opportunity abroad while lamenting the situation in Africa? Where is our pride when our politicians see medical treatment abroad as a status symbol? How can we instil patriotism in the polity if our leaders continue to easily stash away looted funds into foreign banks, and hold properties abroad while sending their children to school overseas?
Sadly, the horrendous treatment of Nigerian students at the Ukrainian border should make us ponder as a nation. Was there any real need for parents to pay through their noses for children’s education in questionable schools abroad? Who is addressing the ASUU & infrastructure issues in our colleges/Universities? How is it possible that we cannot defeat a rag-tag group such as Boko Haram when Ukraine has been able to stop a superpower?
The 2023 elections are around the corner & provide the opportunity to seek out inspired leadership. In our fight against Boko Haram, poverty, and unemployment, we must begin to demand our own ‘Zelensky’. It is no longer enough that our politicians identify with the electorate merely by affirmation, but by lifestyle. Our citizens and leaders have an equal duty to make our country great.
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