Nigeria, Feb. 13 -- There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country. - Nick Lampson

One recalls an archival video featuring Dr Ahmad Gumi, where he is elucidating the myriad reasons underpinning the North's purported inability to achieve its developmental potential. The term he invokes to substantiate his argument is "hassada," which can be loosely translated to signify "jealousy" or "envy." Amongst the various reasons he enumerates, the most poignant is our proclivity to undermine the 'best' within our ranks, thereby contributing to our lag in progress. Though his perspective may appear fatalistic, for indeed developments have been made in the region, there are kernels of truth in his assertions.

The premise of this pie...