Nigeria: Pragmatism Vs. Idealism – A Kite Runner Conundrum

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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The Pragmatic Imperative: Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Vision

Pragmatism in Nigeria often dictates a focus on short-term gains, driven by immediate needs and political expediency. This approach, while seemingly necessary for addressing pressing issues, can inadvertently hinder long-term sustainable development.

• The prevalence of corruption and its impact on resource allocation: Corruption diverts funds meant for crucial infrastructure projects and social programs, hindering progress towards idealistic goals like improved healthcare and education. This systemic issue necessitates a pragmatic approach to tackling corruption, but idealism is also required to envision and implement a truly transparent and accountable system.

• The focus on quick wins and populist policies over sustainable solutions: Politicians frequently prioritize policies designed for immediate popularity rather than long-term solutions. This can lead to unsustainable practices that negatively impact the environment and future generations. While pragmatism dictates addressing immediate needs, idealism pushes for a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes sustainability.

• Prioritization of infrastructure projects with immediate economic benefits over long-term social development initiatives: Building new roads or power plants might boost the economy in the short term, but neglecting investment in education and healthcare undermines the human capital crucial for long-term growth and social justice. This highlights the tension between the pragmatic need for immediate economic growth and the idealistic goal of human development.

• The influence of political patronage and its effect on policy implementation: Decisions are often influenced by political connections rather than merit, leading to inefficient resource allocation and a lack of accountability. This pragmatic approach to politics often thwarts idealistic efforts towards good governance and equitable distribution of resources.

• Examples of pragmatic decisions that have had both positive and negative consequences: The construction of new refineries, while addressing a pressing energy need, has sometimes been marred by corruption and delays, showcasing the complex interplay between pragmatic necessity and the ideal of efficient resource management.

The Idealistic Pursuit: Transformative Change and Utopian Visions

Alongside the pragmatic necessities, Nigeria also harbors strong idealistic aspirations for transformative change. These ideals focus on building a more just, equitable, and prosperous nation.

• The aspirations for a more just and equitable society: Many Nigerians strive for a society where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of their background or social standing. This idealism fuels movements advocating for social justice and human rights.

• The importance of investing in education, healthcare, and human capital development: Idealistic visions emphasize the need for substantial investments in education and healthcare to create a skilled and healthy workforce, capable of driving long-term economic growth and social progress.

• The need for strong institutions and effective governance to promote sustainable development: Idealism demands the establishment of robust institutions and effective governance mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, crucial for sustainable progress.

• The role of civil society and social movements in advocating for idealistic goals: Civil society organizations and social movements play a vital role in pushing for idealistic goals, holding the government accountable, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

• Examples of idealistic initiatives and their impact on Nigerian society: Initiatives promoting gender equality, environmental protection, and access to justice demonstrate the power of idealism in shaping positive social change, even within a challenging pragmatic context.

The Kite Runner Analogy: Balancing Pragmatism and Idealism

Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner offers a powerful metaphor for Nigeria's development challenges. Amir's choices, oscillating between self-preservation and redemption, mirror the nation's struggle to balance immediate needs with long-term aspirations.

• Drawing parallels between Amir's choices in The Kite Runner and Nigeria's developmental trajectory: Just as Amir’s past actions have long-term consequences, Nigeria’s pragmatic choices today will shape its future. The need for reconciliation and healing, reflected in Amir's journey, also applies to addressing historical injustices and fostering national unity in Nigeria.

• The need for strategic compromises between pragmatic necessities and idealistic aspirations: Finding a balance requires carefully weighing immediate needs against long-term goals. Strategic compromises are essential to make progress without sacrificing future prospects.

• The importance of aligning short-term gains with long-term goals: Pragmatic decisions should be made with a clear understanding of their implications for the future. Short-term gains should not come at the expense of long-term sustainable development.

• Discussing the potential for a synergistic approach, where pragmatism informs idealism and vice-versa: Pragmatism can help to prioritize and implement idealistic goals effectively, while idealism can provide a long-term vision that guides pragmatic decision-making.

• Highlighting examples where a balance has been successfully struck: Certain successful development projects demonstrate the power of this synergistic approach, showcasing how pragmatic implementation can bring idealistic visions to fruition.

Case Studies: Examining Specific Examples in Nigeria

One example is the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme. While the idealistic goal is universal healthcare access, pragmatic challenges like funding and infrastructure limitations necessitate a phased rollout. Conversely, the rapid growth of the tech sector, a pragmatic response to global opportunities, is contributing to the idealistic goal of job creation and economic diversification.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s journey towards progress necessitates a delicate balance between pragmatic considerations and idealistic pursuits. While short-term gains are essential for immediate needs, neglecting long-term visions can hinder sustainable development. The "Kite Runner" analogy serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies in finding a harmonious synergy between these seemingly opposing forces.

Call to Action: To achieve meaningful and lasting progress, Nigeria needs a national dialogue focused on strategically navigating this complex relationship between pragmatism and idealism. Let's engage in constructive discussions about how to effectively balance immediate needs with long-term aspirations for a brighter future for all Nigerians. The path to progress requires understanding the nuances of this critical Nigeria: Pragmatism vs. Idealism conundrum.