Nigeria has produced many great minds; leaders, thinkers, and innovators whose roots trace back to this country, even if their journeys have taken them beyond our borders. Some return to give back, lifting the nation that raised them. Others, however, seem to distance themselves, wearing their Nigerian heritage only when it suits them.

Two women stand as stark contrasts in this conversation: Amina J. Mohammed and Kemi Badenoch. Both are of Nigerian descent. Both have walked global corridors of power. But when the question of patriotism arises, when we ask, what have you done for Nigeria? their answers could not be more different.

Amina J. Mohammed: Carrying Nigeria with Honor

Amina J. Mohammed was born in Gombe to a Nigerian father and a British mother, raised in both worlds but never forgetting where she came from. Her life’s work is a testament to her commitment to Nigeria and the world.

Her career spans decades of service, from advocating for sustainable development in Nigeria to championing climate action and poverty eradication at the United Nations. She served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, driving policies that tackled desertification, deforestation, and climate change; issues that directly affect Nigerians. And when the world took notice of her brilliance, she was appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, a position that allows her to shape global development while ensuring Africa, especially Nigeria, is not left behind.

Amina’s story is one of service. She may be global, but she has never turned her back on Nigeria. She carries her heritage proudly, ensuring that her work benefits not just international institutions but the land that made her.

Kemi Badenoch: A Nigerian by Birth, But Not by Heart

Then, there is Kemi Badenoch, a British politician of Nigerian descent, currently serving as the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Born in Wimbledon to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Lagos before settling in the UK. Unlike Amina, who embraces her Nigerian identity as a source of strength, Kemi has often used hers as a tool of convenience or dismissal.

She has built a career in British politics, often distancing herself from anything remotely Nigerian. In fact, rather than uplift the country of her origin, she has taken a condescending tone toward Africa, sometimes speaking against policies that would benefit developing nations, including Nigeria. In debates around colonial history and race relations, she has frequently positioned herself on the side that dismisses the struggles of Black and African communities.

The Question of Patriotism

Both women were born of Nigerian blood, both had opportunities to serve globally. But when it comes to patriotism, the difference is clear:

• Amina Mohammed uses her global influence to uplift Nigeria, shaping policies that impact millions.
• Kemi Badenoch uses her platform to distance herself from her roots, aligning with narratives that do little to advance Nigeria’s cause.

Patriotism is not about carrying a passport or having Nigerian roots by birth; it is about what you do with that heritage. It is about service, sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility to the land and people who shaped you.

Amina J. Mohammed and Kemi Badenoch are both Nigerians by birth, but their choices show the vast difference between merely being from Nigeria and being for Nigeria.

Amina has never hidden her Nigerian identity, nor has she abandoned the country when duty called. Even at the peak of her global influence, she remained a voice for Africa, ensuring Nigeria’s environmental policies aligned with international best practices. Her work with the UN reflects a commitment to global development that includes Nigeria, not excludes it.

On the other hand, Kemi Badenoch, despite her Nigerian roots, has taken a different path, one that does not align with uplifting her country of origin. In the UK, she has actively pushed narratives that downplay the struggles of African nations, aligning with policies that serve her political ambitions rather than the interests of her home continent. When Nigeria faces challenges, she is not a voice of concern, advocacy, or support. Instead, she remains silent or, worse, positions herself against policies that would benefit developing nations like Nigeria.

So, when we speak of patriotism, we must ask: What have you done for your country?

Amina J. Mohammed, through her work, has shown that patriotism is not about where you live but how you serve. She represents the Nigerian spirit; resilient, bold, and forward-thinking. Kemi Badenoch, on the other hand, reminds us that not all heritage comes with allegiance.

One has used her platform to elevate Nigeria.
The other has used hers to distance herself from it.

As Nigerians, we must learn from both. True patriotism is not just a sentiment; it is an action. It is the choice to uplift, defend, and contribute, no matter where in the world you find yourself.