Nigeria, Aug. 4 -- One of the biggest problems holding Nigeria back is how we treat employment and promotions. We often say the right things in theory, but in practice, it's a different story. If we're truly serious about building a better Nigeria, then we must start giving people fair and just consideration in employment, not based on who they know, their tribe, their religion, their gender, or their age, but based on what they're bringing to the table: their qualifications, their ability, their merit.

It's truly painful and honestly disheartening to see brilliant, talented, and hardworking Nigerians constantly pushed aside simply because they don't come from the so-called "right" background. Maybe they don't have a powerful surname, ma...