Scientists studying the resilience of sixteen societies across continents and centuries, from the frozen Yukon to the harsh Australian Outback, made a counter-intuitive discovery.
Societies that faced sustained recession did not die out; He adapted. Repeated exposure to hardships created institutional memory, social cohesion, and the ability to recover rapidly from future shocks. It turns out that stress can become a teacher. This insight matters deeply for Nigeria as we approach the uncertain realities of 2026.
Today, Nigerians—especially young people—are facing depressing headlines: the 2026 tax reform law, fear of a one-party system, reckless borrowing and fiscal irresponsibility, insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, ritual killings, and persistent insecurity. Many Christians speak of targeted violence and an alleged Islamic agenda; Others point to shrinking civic space and governance failures. These concerns are real. They deserve honest engagement. But they should not be allowed to kill the morale of a nation or the hope of its youth.
History—global and Nigerian—warns us against surrendering our emotional and psychological stability to circumstances. When worldly securities are taken away, when the government ceases to feel “for the people,” despair drives us to let circumstances define our inner lives. Yet resilience begins where temptation ends. For those of faith, God's covenant love, immutable character, and assurance of salvation provide joy beyond moral cycles. For citizens broadly, resilience is sustained by values, community, and the conviction that grievance and rebellion – when they turn to skepticism – are tantamount to self-sabotage.
Nigeria's lawsuits are not proof of abandonment; They are the furnace in which patience is forged. Like the resilient societies studied by archaeologists, repeated shocks can produce adaptive strength – if we learn, improve and refuse to break. The road to 2026 will test patience. There will be many taxes; Reforms will be disorganized; Politics will disappoint. But difficulty does not negate luck. It refines him. Consider the anatomy of perseverance in some of the world's greatest success stories. Dr. Seuss's first children's book was rejected several times before finding a publisher. Coca-Cola began as a humble medicinal syrup before becoming a global icon. Working in Switzerland, Albert Einstein developed ideas that were initially opposed before they revolutionized physics.
Henry Ford's early ventures failed repeatedly before the Model T changed industrial history.
None of these stories erases the pain; They make it relevant. Failure and disappointment are chapters, not conclusions.
It is the same with Nigeria. Our imperfections – which are inherent in human nature – are not the last word.
We must say clearly and emphatically: This is the golden age of prosperity when today's complex problems – religious, social and political – find their complete solutions. This will be a wonderful time for this mixed world, and Nigeria will not be absent from it. Such confidence is not denial; This is disciplined hope.
Especially for young Nigerians, the advice is simple and urgent: it is always too early to give up. Skills are still mixed. Honesty still attracts colleagues. Thoughts still travel. Grace still comes. Wait, because the power is often on its way long before results are visible. Build competency, organize peacefully, vote conscientiously, serve locally and speak the truth without succumbing to bitterness. Flexibility increases with practice.
Finally, amid criticism of the regime, it is important to acknowledge steps – even if inadequate – that signal recognition of citizens' vulnerabilities. Throughout the federation, federal and state authorities are making efforts to create and equip trauma centers within teaching hospitals. These initiatives, aimed at emergency care and psychological support, are designed to protect vulnerable citizens from the shocks of accidents, violence and systemic neglect. They are not a substitute for prevention or accountability, but they are a reminder that systems can – and should – learn. Nigeria's story is not over. Like the resilient societies of old, we will stumble and rise again. The difficulties of our journey are not the grave of our hopes; They are the gateway to their fulfillment.
Obiotica Wilfred Tochukwu; Living Grace Restoration Assembly Inc. Nkono-Ekwulobia, Anambra State.
