THEORY OF NATIONS

As a People, we must remember that every one of us has something to contribute to the building of the Nation. Only Nigerians can help develop Nigeria, all that we require in our nation for our prosperity, security, and progress will come from within us and therefore each one of us must be ready and willing to be a vital part of it. it is a very special time in our nation today and it is important that we share some vital and inspiring thoughts so that we can chart our course to the direction we should be going. By the time we're done, you will be flying. I trust that by the power of the spirit of God you will receive motivation, inspiration and the impetus to do the things you should do, the first few thoughts that I will like to impress on your mind today are based on what I call, the "Theory of Nations".

First, I find that all around the world they are too many people who don't understand the definition of nationhood it's sad that all of Africa particularly, many have not understood their reason for being. Africa was always called a dark continent not because of the color of their skin but because of the poverty of their minds but the time has come for us to make a difference and we will.

In developing the "Theory of Nations", there are certain concepts that require mention and definition. All over the world, wherever the definitions of these concepts are nebulous (ill-defined), they are misused and usually leading to the sufferings of so many people. These concepts are: Nation, Nationalism, State, and Ethnicity. To understand the development of nations, we must observe that man, as he is, is a gregarious (Sociable) animal. Thus humans beings naturally relate socially,  and as you know social relationship automatically define themselves with respect to strength and weakness, leadership and followership, because of this human tendency to protect, or seek protection so the weaker congregates around the stronger, to be protected.  And this feeling of security heightens the weakest ability to function socially. And so, naturally, the stronger demands further submission and allegiance, while defining the limits of freedom for the weaker of the species.

  

Certain nations like  Nigeria have completely flawed the popular or the popular definition of "nation" as a large body of people organized under independent government and sharing common customs, origins, history, and language. Canada, also, among others, cannot fall into this narrow definition of nation.  As you know, Nigeria has a multiplicity of languages, diverse customs and culture, and a wide range of divergent history for its many peoples who definitely don't have a common origin. Thus, by this definition, Nigeria will not qualify as a nation but State only. And there are many other countries all around the world that can only be described as states. A state begins with the paraphernalia of government with a definite territorial jurisdiction. It is an institutional structure with territorial integrity. Thus without a defined land space,  a State cannot function; whereas a nation need not be territorial in nature. As a matter of fact, the United Nations organization (which we call the UN), by its name, cannot be defined as it is called. It is more of an association of States.

  

States are bound together by law and force; nations are not created by law and force but by the free consent of its members and the definition of their purpose. States are static while nations are dynamic. Thriving states, therefore, are those who through education and culture have helped their people develop nationhood. 
To be Continued...