Retired Colonel Sounds Alarm On Nigeria’s Deteriorating State

Kontagora, Nigeria – Retired Colonel Sani Bello, former Military Administrator of Kano State, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s trajectory, lamenting a significant decline in infrastructure, security, and quality of life for the average citizen.

Speaking at the 11th edition of his Sani Bello Foundation’s free medical outreach – coinciding with his 82nd birthday – Col. Bello painted a grim picture of a nation sliding backwards.

“Yesterday was better than today,” he declared, comparing Nigeria’s past favorably to its present.

He cited deteriorating infrastructure as a prime example, recalling a time when a journey from Lagos to Kontagora took six to seven hours, a feat now impossible even for shorter distances.

He lamented the demise of the national rail network, recalling journeys from Zungeru to Kano, Lagos, or Maiduguri that are now unthinkable.

The retired colonel attributed the current state of affairs to a confluence of factors: rampant corruption, a lack of selfless leadership, and unchecked population growth.

He highlighted the stark contrast between the relative prosperity and security of his youth, when he could travel safely across the country, and the current climate of insecurity dominated by kidnappings and banditry.

Col. Bello also expressed deep concern over the escalating poverty and malnutrition, particularly in rural areas.

He recounted a recent encounter with a doctor who showed him a photograph of a severely malnourished child – a sight he stated was unheard of during his youth.

The affordability and quality of healthcare, once significantly better, are now out of reach for most Nigerians, according to the elder statesman.

He pointed to the declining value of the Nigerian Naira against the dollar, illustrating the economic hardship faced by many.

While acknowledging an increase in national wealth, he stressed that this is not translating into improved quality of life for the average citizen.

He blamed a pervasive lack of honesty and abuse of power by those in positions of authority for much of the current malaise.

Despite his pessimism about the country’s current state, Col. Bello reiterated his commitment to positive change through his foundation’s humanitarian efforts.

This year’s outreach provided free surgeries for 600 people, medications for 1,255, and eyeglasses for 1,000 patients from across Nigeria.

His words serve as a potent call to action, urging a re-evaluation of Nigeria’s path and a renewed commitment to good governance and the welfare of its citizens.