As the children of Nigeria’s 1960 nationalists, I often ask myself whether, according to our national anthem, we were truly handed a “banner without stain” by our predecessors. Present-day Nigeria is a stark contrast to what many of them could have envisioned. Our once-stainless banner has been soiled by decades of bloodshed, corruption and inequality.

Welcome to the Nigeria we have come to know—one where the government of the people takes a different turn and works against them instead. Citizens look to their alleged leaders, seeking the hope they desperately need, but all in vain. Politicians campaign by masking their intentions with an appearance of compassion, but the moment they get into office, the mask comes off. It is no surprise that the electorate was never their main priority.

In this country, we walk daily with fear clasped in our palms, while insecurity follows closely behind. Every day, new lives are lost, and these losses begin to feel like common statistics—until one becomes part of those numbers. Income inequality sharpens the divide: the privileged move around in bulletproof vehicles with personal security, building barriers that allow them to sleep with a sense of safety. What, then, is left for those who cannot afford the same protection? They rely solely on faith, offering prayers and pleas to God.

I have come to understand that “favouritism” is a word closely associated with the Nigeria we know. The little boy who grew up believing he could achieve anything is confronted by reality. Goals pursued through education and competence are undermined by a system in which effort does not always translate into opportunity. With this, it is no surprise that dreams begin to die before they even sprout. However, we are a stubborn people who dare to dream in the face of reality’s nightmare. Some still stand as exceptions to this rule—and that speaks of one thing: faith.

To rise above today’s problems, the first and most crucial step is to build structures and systems that promote progress. The average Nigerian may place survival above integrity, sometimes being willing to throw others under the bus to get ahead. This contributes to bad leadership, an ineffective workforce, insecurity and many other problems. We need a shift in mindset to change this. It must come not only from better moral upbringing but also from a society that reflects the values it teaches its children and young people.

Stronger and more impartial checks and balances in government are another way to promote progress. They ensure that leaders remain accountable and answerable to the electorate. For this to be effective, political apathy cannot continue. A government cannot be held accountable by people who do not care to demand that it keep its word. Electoral processes must also become more organised and less prone to violence and malpractice.

There is still much to be done, but we can work towards the best version of Nigeria. Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is often credited with the idea that dreams are not what we see in our sleep but what keep us from sleeping. With faith and tireless effort, I believe that the Nigeria we dream of can become a reality rather than remain a figment of our imagination.