Italian-Nigerian singer and songwriter Charles Onyekachi Onyeabor has shared his thoughts on the state of Nigeria following a recent accident involving world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua. Joshua was involved in a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which resulted in the deaths of two of his friends. The boxer escaped unharmed.
Onyeabor took to Instagram to express his condolences to the families of the victims and reflect on Nigeria’s persistent challenges. He stated that whenever he expresses concerns about the country’s future, people assume he is being negative. However, he emphasized that his comments are based on reality, having lived outside Nigeria for over two decades and witnessing the country’s decline.
Onyeabor criticized the tendency of Nigerians to attack and insult those who speak truth about the country’s problems, rather than reflecting on the issues. He noted that Nigerians often compare individual successes, such as the achievements of musicians Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, but fail to compare the country’s infrastructure and systems with those of other nations.
The singer highlighted Nigeria’s infrastructural deficits, including the lack of constant electricity, poor road networks, and inadequate healthcare services. He questioned why Nigerians do not demand better systems and instead focus on tribalism, religious division, and online insults. Onyeabor emphasized the need for Nigerians to accept the truth, stop being defensive, and hold systems accountable in order to bring about change.
Onyeabor’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including economic stagnation, insecurity, and poor governance. His reflections have sparked a conversation about the need for Nigerians to critically evaluate the country’s problems and demand better from their leaders. As Onyeabor noted, it is only by acknowledging the truth and working together that Nigeria can hope to address its challenges and move forward.
