Letter From Nigeria
Recently I came across this letter to the editor of the Guardian Nigeria newspaper from Beenzu Nwosu of Lagos. I thought that I would share it with you all as an example of the thoughts of one person (obviously thought worthy of publication) on the efforts to reduce Nigeria’s population growth. If you remember, we’ve talked about Melinda Gates’ efforts to reduce the fertility rates of the poor of the world before. We’ve also discussed the fascination that some in the US have with Nigeria – there almost is a palpable fear of swarms of people from the third world in some of the reports. Anyway, with that in mind, to the letter:
“While the bombs keep going off in northern Nigeria, our government is focused on reducing the birth rate… a perceived panacea for all our national woes. To quote our President, ‘Nigerians are having too many children.’ Am I dreaming or is there something sinister about this fixation with Third World fertility while developed countries continue to experience declining births at an alarming rate.”
Yes, good to see that politicians all over the world are fixated by the important things. Just like in New Zealand where our dear leaders have decided to vote that black actually means white.
“I question the vehemence with which these population policies are forced on Africa while Western Europe battles with issues relating to a graying population… Could there be something deeper to all this rhetoric, muscle flexing and generosity from the top. What would never see the light of day in the developed world in terms of forced sterilisations and drug testing on poor, ignorant women is to a large extent considered an act of kindness. This is misguided. How long will draconian policies be forced on us without a vote from the people who own their lives? How many human rights are being trampled upon under the guise of modernity and forward-thinking? If the government won’t think for us, then the onus is on us to look out for ourselves.”
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