Reading Nigeria 1

Introduction

This series is sort of a public learning engagement. In fact, I think I am far too ignorant about Nigeria’s history. I am reading about Nigeria so that I can ask the right or appropriate questions. Yes. I want to be able to ask appropriate questions by the end of this series. We find effective solutions by asking the right questions.

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Dear Fellow,

Welcome to September! Happy new month!

I hope the new month fills you with hope. I want to share a portion of this month and the next with you. Let’s see how. . . .

In Laugh Out Less, KaatNanret writes:

It is not enough to fight for change. It is largely about being the change and that can only come from an understanding of why the change is needed.

The history of the country [Nigeria] is one major factor that can never be ignored because it serves as the map that leads us back to how we got it all wrong. (p. 57).

I am becoming more concerned about the issues in Nigeria as I grow older. In a conversation with a friend, we arrived at the assertion by KaatNanret: that if change must materialise, we ought to figure out how we got it wrong. Treating the root of a problem is the most effective approach to solving problems because it ensures that the problem doesn’t reoccur.

I am beginning to feel more responsible for my part in the running of my country. Books are the time-travel machines I can afford now. What better way to track back to how we got it wrong as a country?

I will be dedicating September and October to the reading of books about Nigeria. I want to understand more about the affairs of Nigeria today by looking back on the road which brought us here.

The Approach

This is how I intend to read about Nigeria for the next nine weeks, by God’s grace.

• I will be reading one book for two weeks, at most.

• I will be sending you weekly updates on my reading progress.

• In the updates, I will share questions inspired by my reading.

(I will be reading for at least one hour and thirty minutes every day. You can share in the comment a better approach.)

I tried doing this solo last year, but it didn’t work out as planned. I thought this approach will keep me on my toes: DISCUSSING IDEAS AND QUESTIONS INSPIRED BY MY READING.

What is your role?

Your Role

This is not just about me. It is a concern of anyone who is interested in Nigeria. So, I enjoin you to

• REACT to the updates that will come into your inbox weekly (and on the site: randomdespatches.substack.com);

• COMMENT on the updates and respond to comments that interest you;

• SHARE the updates with others who are interested;

• RECOMMEND other books you think will be resourceful; including fiction. (I will love this part.)

I appeal to you to make this long ride worthwhile. Feel free to share your views!

My Next Read

I made a post on my WhatsApp status asking if anyone could suggest an informative piece on the history of Nigeria. Different suggestions came in, but Max Siollun’s books appeared more frequently. The only strange title was GroundWork of History of Nigeria; I couldn’t figure out who the author is even. (You can share who the author is in the comment.) However, I purchased a copy of What Britain Did to Nigeria: A Short History of Conquest and Rule by Max Siollun. Anticipate my update in the subsequent weeks (on Mondays).

The book cover image from the publisher: Hurst

Final Thoughts

By my calendar, we have nine Mondays on this trek—when I will be sharing my reading updates and questions with you. Please, do well to drive the conversation.

I remain,

Your LetterMan.

Success Fellow!

PS: I have always written “Max Siollun” as “Max Siollurn”—and even pronounced it so. On seeing the first spelling on the book I purchased (and because it has white paper) I concluded it is an error due to piracy. I had to check his other book on my shelf to confirm that this is the correct spelling: Max Siollun. (I can’t find the emojis.)

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