This report examines the challenges Nigeria faces in achieving meaningful success 64 years post-independence, highlighting the lack of political will to implement various conference and panel reports that outline pathways to progress.
By Jide Ajani
Despite any accomplishments Nigeria may have had in its 64 years of independence, the country remains an embarrassingly underperforming entity.
While independence was accompanied by the promise of a better future, the Nigeria of 2024 stands in stark contrast to the Nigeria of 1960. Few would argue against this assertion.
Let’s delve into the concept of a fool’s errand to better understand the context of Nigeria’s current situation.
Origins of Fool’s Errand
The term “fool’s errand” dates back to the 16th century and refers to “a task or mission that is futile or pointless; likely to fail; wasteful of time and effort; and deceptive or misleading.”
Historically, the phrase has evolved. In medieval times, a “fool’s errand” was assigned to a household fool (a jester or servant) as an impossible or nonsensical task meant to entertain or humiliate.
The phrase first appeared in written form in 1545 in Edward Hall’s “The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York.”