In 2003, our beloved nation Nigeria made it to international information not for its oil wealth, political scandal, and even music, however for one thing totally totally different: happiness.
A worldwide ballot performed by the World Values Survey and printed in New Scientist ranked Nigerians because the happiest folks on Earth. Sure, above the likes of america, Canada, and all of Europe.
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On the time, it appeared like a contradiction. We can not deny that this nation is well-known for its financial challenges, political instability, and infrastructural points. However then, right here it was, main the world in happiness.
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The survey, performed throughout 65 international locations between 1999 and 2001, evaluated how folks perceived their total well-being and satisfaction with life. Whereas wealthier international locations centered on materials progress, Nigerians reportedly found joy in relationships, spiritual life, and community support.
It was a reminder that happiness isn’t all the time tied to materials success. As an alternative, it typically blooms in locations the place laughter thrives, the place folks collect round meals, and the place, regardless of hardship, there’s all the time room for hope.
As anticipated, the announcement sparked international curiosity. Worldwide media lined it with shock, and even literary figures like Wole Soyinka drew inspiration from the label.
In his satirical novel, Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest Folks on Earth, Soyinka explored the distinction between the nation’s official picture and its harsh realities, utilizing irony to unpack what “happiness” actually means in a spot like Nigeria.
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However because the years glided by, the rankings modified. By 2017, Nigeria had slipped to ninety fifth place globally and sixth in Africa. In 2024, it dropped additional to 102nd, and by 2025, it ranked a hundred and fifth out of 143 international locations, although it nonetheless held a spot among the many high 10 happiest in Africa.
The explanations for the decline weren’t stunning. Rising insecurity, inflation, poor governance, youth unemployment, and a struggling healthcare system have chipped away on the once-rosy outlook many Nigerians had.
The components measured by the World Happiness Report, which have been GDP per capita, social assist, wholesome life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption, have all confronted strain lately.
However then, the story of Nigeria’s previous happiness should not simply be a footnote in historical past. It must be a reminder of what makes people truly happy. In actual fact, the identical UN report that positioned Nigeria at a hundred and fifth additionally highlighted that happiness was strongly linked to group connection, particularly the easy act of sharing meals and spending time with others.
Nigerians might have fallen in international rankings, however culturally, the things that made the country joyful comparable to togetherness, humour, music, meals, religion, nonetheless exist. It is simply overshadowed with a lot hardship and fewer hope for a greater future.
The 2003 title ought to most likely be seen as not simply the great outdated days, however a mirrored image of what may be achieved when folks maintain tightly to hope, even within the face of problem. And maybe, it’s additionally a problem to leaders, to communities, and to on a regular basis residents, to create the circumstances that permit that happiness to flourish once more.
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