In 2003, I wrote an article titled “Praying for a Messiah!” In 2022, I followed it up with a sequel: “Praying for the Messiah Part 2” — all satirical of course, and all with the simple aim to poke fun at how the majority of Nigerians think when faced with colossal problems: we turn, look, hope, and pray for saviors. As far as I know, the human being exists and functions on three planes:

1. The Physical
2. The Mental
3. The Spiritual

Understanding how all three work and relate with each other is key. I'll get back to this later. This past week has been interesting, especially for the “who is who” of Nigerian basketball. For the first time, many have come under one online platform to try and discuss the problems and issues surrounding Nigerian basketball.

This is a good step in the right direction. However, it is also a very precarious endeavor that I pray doesn’t drive a bigger wedge, creating more disaffections and a wider divide within the basketball family. Such and similar efforts usually occur around federation elections, where stakeholders try to galvanize support and rally behind individuals they think ought to lead or be presented with the opportunity to run for the biggest jobs in Nigerian basketball.

My thoughts, questions and sentiments are such: Do we even understand the crux of the problems or are we just SEARCHING FOR A MESSIAH? Because as far as I know, the only Messiah I’ve heard of — according to biblical tales — came and left, I believe, 2025 years ago. Also, this Nigerian mindset is not rooted in real strategic thinking or problem-solving. Rather, it is rooted in shallow understanding of issues, facts, and real steps needed to get real solutions.

My brothers and sisters, as a Nigerian, if you’re looking for a messiah NOW, in Nigeria, I have five words for you:

1. TINUBU
2. BUHARI
3. GOODLUCK
4. YAR’ADUA
5. OBASANJO

These are the last five Messiahs in Nigeria — go fish! But if you’re looking for real solutions to Nigerian basketball, I will tell you this. Let me go back to the three planes of existence briefly and align them properly for results and in accordance with change theory:

1. Mental – God gave us brains for us to discern and think. It’s our direct link to Him, and some are more gifted with this than others. They are our system builders and reform drivers.

2. Physical – This is where ideas are tested, practiced, and executed; where systems are built and maintained.

3. Spiritual – This governs moral direction, conscience, and the sense of duty to truth and fairness. Until we align all three planes, there can be no genuine transformation.

The Institutional Problem:  Every problem in Nigeria is first and foremost institutional — then leadership, then checks and balances, then the laws that govern such institutions, and finally, the enforcement of such laws. Let me give you some illustrations.

The Nigerian Sports Ministry (a government institution) is supposed to be the national apex body for our sports. The sports councils and sports commissions are supposed to be the state apex bodies. They are supposed to design policies and implement globally accepted practices in sports throughout every corner of this country. They should have offices in every state, local government, and ward, equipped with the best minds and best facilities to ensure our sports are up to par with our global counterparts. They should have the resources to undertake state, national, and international programs that are hinged on LTAD, revenue generation, job creation, community inclusion, social integration, and holistic national development. Most importantly, they are supposed to troubleshoot and find reforms and solutions to challenges based on strategic and scientific thinking — not sentiments or whims. However, when these same systems fail, are hijacked, or worse — reverse-engineered to do something else — then there's a serious problem.

Understand this: if all consenting and discerning minds find flaws in an institution and see the need for change, and even voice it out through one medium so that leadership listens — but leadership says there’s nothing wrong, or “please let’s be patient,” or worse — behaves as if there’s nothing wrong… what do you do? Well, for me, I’ve learned a few things in my life as a Nigerian, and they say, “Experience is the best teacher.”

Experience as a Teacher:

This is how I treat institutions that don’t work or do what they are supposed to do. Two decades ago, I realized the chaos and madness of a certain institution in Nigeria — NEPA, PHCN, or KEDCO (whatever its name is, I forget). They claimed to provide electricity and power, which they never did, especially when you needed it the most. They would often come to my house or office creating a scene, making threats, and causing unnecessary embarrassment. I made a plan to get rid of them completely. It wasn’t easy. I started with little generators, then moved to bigger ones, and currently run 100% on inverters. It wasn’t easy, but with a little patience and effort, collaboration, and discussions with my family, I was able to convince them of the logic behind getting rid of whatever that institution was supposed to be and do.

I don’t write for praise or effect. I write to educate — another failed institution — and to fill the knowledge gap so our people can understand things and so we can affect real change and real fixes.

The Courage to Build: The greatest countries in the world — those with strong, functioning institutions that deliver the excellence we all admire and desire — were not built by presidents, prayer warriors, or some magical genie. Every functioning institution was built by the people within it — men and women of courage who lived, breathed, and worked for the systems they believed in. People who understood the principles of accountability, structure, and continuity. They were not looking for shortcuts or quick fixes. They respected the process. They understood the role everyone had to play.

And most importantly, they had the courage to stand for the law and to uphold it equally, no matter who was involved. Because in the end, nations are not transformed by miracles — they are transformed by men and women who refuse to compromise the truth.