The Untold Mission of Mark Zuckerberg in Nigeria

For the fact that Nigerians are used to the publicity stunts often create by politicians whenever they go to inspect a project or visit a place, the Wednesday 31, 2016 unannounced arrival of the 6th richest man in the world, Mark Zuckerberg to Lagos, Nigeria became the major stunning buzz of the moment creating a publicity stunt online and in news media.

Just like me – very inquisitive, many might have wondered about this visit of the Facebook founder to Nigeria at this time. Nigeria as country is battling with security issues, economy recession among other woes. However, one might want to give credence to the recent fight against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari. Notwithstanding, I still want to believe the visit of the Facebook founder to Nigeria, is more than a random visit by a billionaire to a country of interest.

No doubt, Mark Zuckerberg visit will have far reaching positive implications for the Africa most populous nation and her people; from both social and economic viewpoints, even far more than can be seen right now. As he himself said; his mission to Nigeria was meant to help tech startups and raise entrepreneurs. Before now, in May this year the Facebook founder invested about 24 million dollars in Andela – a move aimed at replicating the Silicon Valley miracle in African cities. This will not only create jobs but will also launch the country onto the threshold of becoming a technology hub. Besides, one cannot overemphasize the huge morale booster his visit will be to the entrepreneurs and tech developers, considering this is a man who, out of nothing had made huge life for himself.

Though the problem stated was not infrastructure, Lagos, Nigeria according to the Global livability index was recently ranked the 3rd worst city in the world to live in. The basis for the rank is no other than security. For real, the 6th richest man in the world now in Nigeria mingling freely, jogging without bodyguards/security detail on the Third Mainland Bridge and walking down the road in Yaba like any other person. This is a message to the world, that Lagos, Nigeria is as safe as any other city in the world. Moreover, over time the international news media lump the entire Africa together as one destination. Certainly, with the 6th richest man in the world visit to Nigeria at this time, it will be clearer that any news media that cannot locate Nigeria on the world map, is doing that for reasons best known to them.

Though, beyond I look yet deeper I search, Mark’s visit might hold more…