By Seye Oladejo
‘Naija no dey carry last’ is more than a popular street expression. It is a powerful declaration of the Nigerian spirit. It encapsulates our collective resilience, our innate competitiveness, our unyielding optimism, and our uncanny ability to excel despite overwhelming odds.
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the classrooms of Europe and North America, from global concert stages to scientific laboratories, from boardrooms of multinational corporations to sporting arenas around the world, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated that excellence is embedded in our national character.
Education remains one of the most remarkable testimonies of the Nigerian spirit. Across the world, Nigerians distinguish themselves as exceptional scholars, researchers, and academics. In prestigious universities and research institutions, Nigerian students routinely emerge as top performers, winning scholarships, setting records, and contributing significantly to knowledge creation. The story is often the same everywhere: give a Nigerian an opportunity and excellence inevitably follows.
The creative and entertainment industry has equally become a major vehicle for projecting Nigeria’s identity globally. Nigerian music has evolved into a formidable cultural export. Afrobeats has conquered continents, filling arenas and topping international charts. Nigerian artistes have become global ambassadors, reshaping perceptions about Africa and opening doors for an entirely new generation of creatives.
In literature and the arts, Nigerian writers, filmmakers, and storytellers continue to command global recognition. Our stories are increasingly being consumed on international platforms, demonstrating that our creativity is both commercially viable and culturally influential. The world has become fascinated with the richness, complexity, and authenticity of the Nigerian narrative.
Sports present another compelling example of our extraordinary potential. Across football, athletics, basketball, and combat sports, Nigerians have excelled and broken barriers. Our athletes have brought glory to the nation and have become symbols of determination and excellence. Their achievements reinforce a fundamental truth: Nigerians possess a natural ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels.
Even in football, perhaps the world’s most unifying sport, the Nigerian spirit remains impossible to ignore. Although the Super Eagles did not qualify for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Nigeria is still very much present on the global stage through players of Nigerian birth and heritage who are excelling in the colours of their adopted nations. England continues to benefit from the brilliance of Bukayo Saka , Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, while France has in Michael Olise one of its most exciting talents. Germany’s football renaissance has been significantly enriched by the dazzling performances of Jamal Musiala and Felix Nmecha. The United States boasts exceptional players of Nigerian extraction such as Yunus Musah and Folarin Balogun, while Canada has also fielded players of Nigerian heritage – Folarin Balogun and Tani Oluwaseyi. Switzerland continues to parade talents of Nigerian roots, including Murphy Akanji , Noah Okafor and even South Africa’s football ecosystem bears evidence of the growing influence and appeal of Nigerian talent.
Not to forget David Alaba, the Austrian Captain and his team mate , Carney Chukwuemeka.
The unmistakable message from these examples is that the Nigerian spirit transcends geography and nationality. Whether wearing the green and white of Nigeria or representing other countries on the global stage, people of Nigerian descent continue to distinguish themselves through talent, discipline, resilience, and excellence. Indeed, even in our absence as a national team, the world is once again reminded of an enduring truth: wherever excellence is celebrated, Nigerians are never far away. In every sense of the expression, “Naija no dey carry last.”
The same can be said about science, technology, medicine, and innovation. Nigerian professionals occupy strategic positions in leading global institutions and technology companies. Nigerian doctors, engineers, scientists, software developers, and entrepreneurs continue to make invaluable contributions to human advancement and economic development across the world. The success stories are too numerous to ignore.
In business and commerce, Nigerians have demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial instincts. Our people possess an uncommon ability to identify opportunities, create value, and build enterprises even under difficult circumstances. Nigerian entrepreneurs are driving innovations in finance, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The rise of Nigerian-owned businesses with continental and global footprints further underscores our entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Nigerian story is that these accomplishments have often occurred in spite of considerable challenges. Our people have excelled despite infrastructural deficits, economic difficulties, and various systemic limitations. Such achievements speak volumes about the resilience and determination of Nigerians.
This reality should inspire us to redefine our national outlook. “Naija no dey carry last” should not remain a mere slogan or an expression reserved for moments of celebration. It should become a national identity and a developmental philosophy. It should remind us that mediocrity is inconsistent with the Nigerian spirit and that excellence should be our collective aspiration.
As a nation, we must deliberately create an environment that nurtures talent, rewards merit, and provides opportunities for our citizens to maximise their enormous potential. Government policies must continue to encourage innovation, education, enterprise, and creativity. Equally important is the need for every Nigerian to embrace the values of hard work, discipline, patriotism, and integrity.
Nigeria’s greatest resource has never been oil, gas, or any mineral deposit. Our greatest asset is our people. The Nigerian spirit remains one of the most dynamic and resourceful in the world. History has repeatedly shown that wherever Nigerians find themselves, they make meaningful contributions and leave lasting impressions.
Indeed, “Naija no dey carry last” is not merely a catchphrase. It is a statement of identity, a celebration of our collective genius, and an enduring reminder that despite our challenges, Nigerians possess the talent, resilience, and capacity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world.
The task before us is simple but profound: to build a nation that matches the greatness of its people. When we eventually succeed in doing so, Nigeria will not merely refuse to come last; she will assume her rightful place among the leading nations of the world.
Seye Oladejo, APC Chieftain, writes in from Lagos
