THE word Nigeria means different things to different people. For the late nationalist and visionary, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria was nothing but a mere geographical expression. Like an irony of history, Nigerians have experienced sizeable quantum of setbacks and triumphs as a function of their Nigerian identities. Since her independence on 1st October 1960, Nigeria has evolved into a peculiar socio-political and economic entity. Nigeria is geographically 923,766 sq km area of land, comprising 167 million people from over 250 ethnic groups living across 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory in a federal system.Nigeria is one of the ten leading producers of crude oil in the world, with GDP of over $200 billion. The Federal Government has maintained an annual budget and GDP growth rate of over N4 trillion and 7%, respectively, in the past three years; yet over 110 million citizens live in poverty. Nigeria is a paradox; the more you look, the less you see! Nigeria has abundant human and material resources needed to position it as one of the top nations of the world. Nigeria is strategically located in Africa and is a regional, continental and global player.Nigeria, rich but poor, is not a failed state - a system re-balancing the effect of finite or infinite stress or demand on for its elasticity to be recovered and restored. This is the premise of the book, The 8th Wonder of the World (Ore Publishers Limited, Lagos; 2010) and it is also supported by the remarks of the late sage, Awolowo, when he said, ''for some time to come the present twilight of democracy, individual freedom and the rule of law will fall into utter darkness. But after darkness - and this is a commonplace - comes a victorious dawn. It is therefore with a brave heart, with confidence and hope that I go from this twilight into darkness unshaken in my faith in God that a glorious dawn will come tomorrow'.The problem of Nigeria is psycho-structural - a culture of denials, mediocrity and waste. It is this Nigerian 'factor' that the book, The 8th Wonder of the World, seeks to expose. Anyone who has socialised in Nigeria is likely affected by the Nigerian 'factor'. The book is, therefore, written as a medium to diagnose the development of under-development in Nigeria and treat the causes of a vicious circle of poverty.The author of the two-in-one book, The 8th Wonder of the World - Made in Nigeria and The 8th Wonder of the World - Made in Naija, respectively, is Olaboludele Simoyan. The book, with a foreword written by an eminent Nigerian, Dr. Christopher Kolade is a bold attempt to re-awaken the spirit and culture of patriotism through value re-orientation and moral re-birth amongst the people of Nigeria. The book comprises carefully selected themes which I believe should appeal to every Nigerian and even friends of Nigeria.Olaboludele Simoyan's approach to writing the book is quite unique. The book reflects several volumes of views and thoughts of a neo-Nigeria crusader and author, on the prospects of a nation based on perceived opportunities in the country and identified potentials of its people. According to her, Nigeria is destined for greatness and our collective aspirations as a people require a common vision, passion and action. In other words, the way forward for the nation is for Nigerians to tap into their rich cultural heritage and create something from nothing.The content of The 8th Wonder of the World is an adaptation of African Proverbs, Pictorial illustrations of the challenges of nation-building in Nigeria, quotes by classical, legendary and contemporary thinkers and scholars as well as module-like discussions on some assumptions and misconceptions on Nigerian issues. It juxtaposes Nigerian Realism with what may be known as Simoyan Idealism.The author, in an attempt to elicit the interests of young Nigerians, employs words like Naigese and Naiga-Wondas to showcase a modern and rebranded nation. It is however noteworthy to say that the author has not suggested anything strange to the generational and historic efforts to transform Nigeria. Rather, the author is only canvassing for the greatness of the nation, and posits that the destination we all seek would be attained if we drive with discipline in the direction of our dreams.The author presents the challenges facing Nigeria as problems of identity crises, unpatriotic attitudes amongst citizens, lack of national consciousness and poor national image management. The author recommends a fundamental paradigm shift in thinking as well as advocating that citizens should take responsibility, as 'little drops of water make mighty ocean'.In conclusion, the Simoyan Idealism has argued that the cultural manifestation of the Nigerian Realism, although aberrant and abysmal, is as a consequence of unfavourable yet reversible circumstances. The author is unequivocal that the 'God Factor', if adopted will correct all imbalances and damages done by the Nigerian Realism. Behold, the Nigeria of our dreams!
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