Pegasus Reporters Issues on the Wing
“Nigeria is not defined by its problems but by the incredible potential and spirit of its people. Let us all begin talking positively about Nigeria—within our communities, in our media, and on the global stage”
PEGASUS REPORTERS, LAGOS | OCTOBER 22, 2024
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has often found itself at the center of global media coverage—unfortunately, the majority of it negative. From corruption scandals to security crises, these stories have become the dominant global narrative. Yet, Nigeria, much like Africa at large, is far more than its challenges. The country is a land of resilience, innovation, and potential, and it’s time we take charge of how we are seen and spoken about.
As Nigerians, we must champion our own narrative, highlighting the achievements we often overlook or fail to celebrate. I’ve consistently pointed out the many positives that Nigeria has to offer: the ingenuity of its youth, the global success of its entertainment industry, the strides in fintech, and the potential for agriculture and real estate development. These are sectors that are defining the future not just for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole.
Nigeria’s entertainment industry—especially Nollywood and Afrobeats—has placed us on the global map. Artists like Burna Boy, Asake, and TEMS have become household names worldwide, and movies like The Milkmaid and Lionheart are reshaping global perceptions of Nigerian storytelling. In fintech, companies like Flutterwave and PayStack have redefined online payments in Africa, and the successes of our tech entrepreneurs rival those of Silicon Valley.
But these successes rarely make it into the global media headlines. Instead, what we often see is a focus on conflict, poverty, and instability. A recent report from Africa Practice and Africa No Filter highlighted the financial impact of this skewed narrative. By focusing on negative stories, global media not only damages the continent’s image but also imposes a financial cost. The bias in coverage means Africa is seen as a “risky bet” for investors, leading to higher interest rates and costing the continent billions annually. This reality shows just how powerful narratives can be. They affect not just perceptions but economies, investment opportunities, and overall development.
The Nigerian government, private sector, and every citizen must take this issue seriously. Mass mobilization is necessary to ensure that the world knows the real Nigeria. We should follow the examples of countries like China, which have invested in media to shape their narratives globally. We have stories of success, resilience, and innovation that deserve to be told on our own terms.
Nigerians must also take responsibility for talking positively about our country. The stories we tell ourselves and others shape how we see our future. It’s time we focused on building up our nation through our words, creating a narrative of hope, progress, and excellence. Governments at all levels should also invest in public relations, ensuring that every achievement in agriculture, fintech, education, and entertainment is broadcast far and wide. We must ensure that the international community hears as much about our progress as they do about our challenges.
This is not to deny the issues we face. But as a country, we need balance in how we communicate our story to the world. Our nation is filled with hardworking, innovative, and patriotic individuals who, given the right opportunities, can shape a bright future. Nigeria is not defined by its problems but by the incredible potential and spirit of its people. Let us all begin talking positively about Nigeria—within our communities, in our media, and on the global stage.
As we move forward, let us remember that the world runs on power, and narratives are as powerful as any political tool. Let’s tell our story with the pride it deserves, focusing on the good, while we work together to fix what needs improvement. Only then can we unlock Nigeria’s full potential for ourselves and the world.
Nigeria is a land of opportunity. Let’s make sure the world knows it.
Demola Aladekomo (October 2024)
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Editor’s Titbits: “The Harder you work, the harder it is to surrender” – Vince Lombardi
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