Pragmatism Vs. Idealism In Nigeria: A Kite Runner Analogy

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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H2: The Idealistic Vision: A Nation's Aspirations

The birth of independent Nigeria in 1960 was fueled by an idealistic vision: a united, prosperous nation where all citizens could thrive. This aspiration manifested in several lofty goals:

H3: The Promise of Independence and Progress:

• Eradication of poverty: The dream of a poverty-free Nigeria underpinned many early post-independence policies.
• Improved infrastructure: Investments in roads, power, and communication networks were envisioned to boost economic activity and connectivity.
• Strong institutions: The establishment of robust and transparent institutions – including a fair judiciary, an effective legislature, and a non-corrupt civil service – was crucial to the idealistic vision.
• National unity: Overcoming ethnic and religious divisions to forge a truly unified nation was a central idealistic goal.

These ambitions were fueled by the belief in the power of collective effort and the potential for social justice. Keywords like Nigerian independence, national unity, economic development, and social justice encapsulate this optimistic outlook.

H3: The Role of Education and Social Reform:

Idealism in Nigeria also extended to education and social reform. Policies aimed at:

• Expanding access to education: Investing in schools and educational programs at all levels was seen as crucial for national development and social mobility.
• Promoting social mobility: Ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds had equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their origin or social standing, was paramount.
• Establishing ethical governance: Promoting transparency and accountability in government operations was considered key to achieving societal progress and reducing corruption.

Keywords such as education in Nigeria, social mobility, governance, and corruption reflect the importance placed on these idealistic goals.

H2: The Pragmatic Realities: Constraints and Compromises

However, the journey towards realizing these ideals has been fraught with pragmatic realities. The harsh winds of economic hardship and political instability have frequently grounded the kite of progress.

H3: Economic Challenges and Resource Allocation:

Numerous economic challenges have hindered progress:

• Widespread poverty: High levels of poverty and inequality have persistently hampered development efforts.
• Mismanagement of resources: Corruption and inefficient resource management have diverted funds away from crucial development projects.
• Dependence on oil: Over-reliance on oil revenues has created vulnerability to global price fluctuations and neglected diversification of the economy.

Keywords like Nigerian economy, poverty, inequality, corruption, and resource management highlight the significant economic constraints.

H3: Political Instability and Ethnic Tensions:

Political instability and ethnic tensions have further complicated the path to progress:

• Political rivalries: Intense political rivalries and power struggles have often led to instability and hindered policy implementation.
• Religious conflicts: Religious differences have sometimes fueled violence and social divisions, undermining national unity.
• Regional disparities: Uneven development across regions has exacerbated inequality and fuelled resentment.

Keywords such as Nigerian politics, ethnic conflict, religious conflict, and political instability reflect the impact of these factors.

H3: The "Kite Runner" Parallel: Sacrificing Ideals for Survival:

Like Amir in The Kite Runner, who makes difficult pragmatic choices to survive in a harsh environment, Nigerians often face situations requiring compromises that may contradict their long-term idealistic goals. For example, short-term economic gains might be prioritized over long-term environmental sustainability.

• Compromising ethical standards for short-term gains: Individuals might engage in corrupt practices to survive or improve their economic status.
• Prioritizing immediate needs over long-term development goals: Governments might focus on short-term solutions to appease the populace, even if it means neglecting long-term investments in infrastructure or human capital.

H2: Finding a Balance: Bridging the Gap Between Pragmatism and Idealism

The key lies not in abandoning either pragmatism or idealism, but in finding a strategic balance.

H3: The Importance of Strategic Pragmatism:

Sustainable development in Nigeria requires a thoughtful approach that integrates pragmatic strategies with idealistic goals. This means:

• Prioritizing effective policy implementation: Developing and implementing well-designed policies with a clear focus on measurable outcomes.
• Investing in human capital: Prioritizing education, healthcare, and skill development to build a more productive workforce.
• Enhancing transparency and accountability: Strengthening institutions to combat corruption and ensure effective governance.

Keywords like sustainable development in Nigeria, strategic planning, and policy implementation are crucial for this aspect.

H3: The Role of Civil Society and Citizen Engagement:

A vibrant civil society and active citizen engagement are essential for pushing for progress and holding the government accountable.

• NGOs advocating for social justice: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in advocating for reforms and providing essential services.
• Community-based initiatives: Grassroots initiatives empower communities to address local challenges and contribute to national development.
• Citizen activism: Individual citizens must actively participate in the political process, demand accountability, and advocate for positive change.

Keywords such as civil society Nigeria, citizen engagement, accountability, and social activism underscore this critical aspect.

3. Conclusion:

The journey towards a prosperous and just Nigeria continues to be defined by the dynamic tension between pragmatism and idealism. Like Amir's journey in The Kite Runner, navigating this complex landscape requires a balance of making tough choices while holding onto the vision of a better future. Understanding this interplay is crucial for progress. Further discussion on Understanding Pragmatism vs. Idealism in Nigeria and the role of The Pragmatic Idealist in Nigeria is vital for fostering meaningful change. Let's continue the conversation. Engage with relevant organizations and advocate for policies that combine pragmatic approaches with idealistic aspirations to build a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.