A retired senior naval officer, Rear Admiral Dickson Olisemenogor, has reacted to United States President Donald Trump’s recent comment describing Nigeria as a “disgraced country,” saying the remark should serve as a wake up call for the nation’s leaders and citizens to urgently address the country’s growing security and governance issues.
In his response, Olisemenogor, who served in the Nigerian Navy for over 35 years, said although Trump’s statement was provocative and offensive, it reflected the reality of Nigeria’s present challenges. He stressed that ignoring the warning signs would only deepen the nation’s problems and delay progress. He said he initially did not want to respond to the remark but later felt it was important to address it constructively.
According to him, “I first wanted to ignore Trump’s outburst but I was reminded of what my Ukwuani elders say, that when somebody mocks you, do not despair because he is only reminding you that you can do better.” He explained that rather than reacting with anger or trading insults, Nigerians should draw lessons from the statement and use it as motivation for national improvement.
The retired officer noted that some countries use criticism as a tool for development and progress. He said, “The Chinese and Japanese live by that principle. They see opportunity in every ugly situation. Trump is simply telling our leaders and we the followers that we should wake up and handle our security issues with seriousness.”
Olisemenogor advised that responding to Trump with harsh words is unnecessary, stating that the truth is visible to everyone. He said, “He tried to provoke us by calling our country a disgraced country. There is no need to shout or insult him back. We know we have a serious problem but we pretend as if we do not. That is the way of indolent people.” He urged Nigerians to face the reality of the situation rather than ignore it.
He further encouraged both leaders and citizens to use the moment as an opportunity for unity and genuine reform, adding that the country needs honesty, discipline and collective effort to overcome its present challenges. He emphasised that progress will only come when Nigerians accept the truth and work together to rebuild the nation’s image.