By Mogaji Wole Arisekola
The United States has officially suspended the issuance of long-term visas to Nigerian citizens.
While this move may ruffle feathers, in my opinion, the finest education isn’t even in America — it’s in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. These countries offer a balanced mix of academic excellence and cultural exposure. That said, we must broaden our vision. China, with its rapidly advancing technological infrastructure, deserves our attention. Sending our children there to learn about innovation and new-age technologies should be part of our future-focused strategy.
It’s time we stopped limiting ourselves to one country. The world is vast — why remain stagnant? Personally, I can’t imagine spending more than a week in America, even if I had a compelling reason to visit. We need to redirect that same energy and money toward developing our own nation. It starts with unity, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose.
For me, success has never come on a silver platter. Every ounce of achievement has been earned with sacrifice. As I always say, nothing good comes without a price. A friend recently asked me how I manage to look this good at my age. I smiled and told him: I eat just once a day and never skip my light morning exercises. Discipline is the real secret — not luxury creams or expensive diets.
We have the population. We have the resources. What we lack is synergy. If we can come together in unity, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Every time I see Alhaji Aliko Dangote resuming work at his factory by 9 a.m., even at the age of 70, I find myself asking: What am I doing with my life? The man is constantly on the move — today he’s in China, tomorrow in India, and the day after in South Africa. At 70 years old! That kind of drive is rare and should inspire every right-thinking Nigerian.
However, I still have my reservations about this current government. Why has the former GMD, who caused untold setbacks for Dangote Refinery, been allowed to walk away scot-free? This is unacceptable. If we truly want to build a nation where businesses thrive, then justice must be served — no matter who is involved. Bringing him to book is not revenge; it is justice. And justice builds confidence — especially for young entrepreneurs trying to navigate the Nigerian economy with hope.
Let us rise with one voice and reclaim our dignity. The time to act is now.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Lagos
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