SENTINEL WATCH April 9, 2007 Issue

WELLSPRINGS OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA

SHELLY RICHARDSON

ON APRIL 14 AND 21, the people of Nigeria go to the polls for the first known democratic transition from one civilian government to another in their country's history. Presidential candidates are very optimistic that they'll be able to lift the shadow of poverty that plagues their nation. Yet, according to a recent National Geographic article, prosperity for Nigeria still isn't within reach.

Referring to the potential for capitalizing on the country's discovery in past decades of a large oil supply, the article states: "Nigeria had all the makings of an uplifting tale: poor African nation blessed with enormous sudden wealth. . . . Everything looked possible—but everything went wrong" (December 2006). Despite the presence of vast oil reserves, many Nigerians live without gasoline or money for basic needs. A large percentage of annual oil revenues is lost to corruption within oil companies, and oil siphoning is a regular occurrence within communities. These statistics present a grim picture of lost opportunity and tell a story of great promise unfulfilled. It can feel overwhelming to tackle such a problem in prayer.

Yet, I've observed a spiritual responsiveness among Nigeria's people that gives me pause when I'm tempted to be overwhelmed by what I'm reading or hearing about in the news. Although the political path for the next president and government may not be easy, Nigeria's potential could come from a much more reliable resource—the innate generosity and goodness of its people.