Kintsugi and the State of the Nation in Nigeria: Embracing Brokenness for Renewal
Jerry Adesewo
The art of Kintsugi, a centuries-old Japanese tradition, offers an invaluable metaphor for many facets of life. Translated as “golden joinery,” Kintsugi is mending broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than discarding shattered pieces, artisans repair them in such a way that the cracks become the highlight, with the gold accentuating rather than hiding the flaws. It’s a philosophy that teaches us to embrace imperfections and find beauty in the scars of experience. In this reflection, we explore how the principle of Kintsugi offers a powerful lens through which to view Nigeria’s current socio-political and economic situation.
A Fragmented Nation
Nigeria, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and tremendous potential, is often seen as a nation grappling with fractures. From ethnic and religious divisions to economic instability, corruption, and a fragile security landscape, the country’s challenges are significant. Just as broken pottery is fragmented into many parts, Nigeria’s issues often feel insurmountable, leaving many citizens disillusioned and frustrated.
Like broken ceramic pieces lying on the ground, Nigeria’s structural flaws are evident. These range from leadership failures, economic hardship, and the Boko Haram insurgency to rampant corruption, youth unemployment, and failing infrastructure. At times, it may seem that Nigeria is irreparably fractured, its beauty concealed by the weight of these persistent challenges.
However, in the philosophy of Kintsugi, brokenness is not an end but a beginning. The scars and cracks do not signify failure; instead, they are avenues for renewal, strength, and resilience. Nigeria’s cracks, though deep, can be filled with “gold”—principles of justice, unity, creativity, and perseverance. By acknowledging and addressing these fractures instead of ignoring or hiding them, we have the potential to turn their weaknesses into strengths.
Embracing Imperfection
In Kintsugi, the broken pieces are not discarded but are honoured as part of the object’s history. Nigeria, too, must embrace its imperfections. The country has a long and complicated history, marred by colonialism, civil war, military coups, and political mismanagement. Acknowledging the nation’s troubled past and the issues it continues to face is the first step toward healing. Pretending that things are unbroken or glossing over the problems only prolongs the cracks and exacerbates the pain.
Applying this to governance and leadership, Nigerian leaders, especially the current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, must come to terms with the reality of the country’s divisions—whether ethnic, political, or economic. By doing so, he, and other leaders such as governors, ministers, senators, et all, can begin to craft policies that address the root causes of these fractures. It is essential to avoid quick fixes and short-term solutions, as they are currently doing, and instead, work towards long-lasting reforms that embrace the nation’s complexities and imperfections.
Valuing Resilience
One of the most beautiful aspects of Kintsugi is the emphasis on resilience—the idea that the pottery is not just restored but becomes more valuable after being repaired. Nigeria’s people, despite facing adversity, have shown immense resilience over the years. From surviving dictatorships to enduring economic downturns and navigating regional conflicts, the spirit of the Nigerian people is indomitable. As can be seen also in the present dispensation, where survival has become even more difficult than anyone could ever imagine.
However, resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving against all odds. The Kintsugi principle suggests that scars do not diminish worth. Nigeria’s setbacks, rather than defining its identity, can become the foundation for future growth. The resilience of the people, especially the youth who continue to innovate and push boundaries despite limited resources, represents the gold that can be used to bind the cracks in the nation.
Creating a New Narrative from the Cracks
In Kintsugi, the repaired object tells a new story—one of survival, strength, and transformation. Similarly, Nigeria must craft a new narrative from its challenges. The country’s history of division and conflict, while painful, can also be a source of unity and strength. That crack was visible in the last election, and its consequences as we speak, are disturbing. The cracks that exist between the diverse ethnic groups, the North and the South, Christians, and Muslims, can be mended to create a stronger and more unified nation.
For this new narrative to take hold, Nigeria must invest in dialogue and reconciliation. Efforts such as the National Conference of 2014 were steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done. Open and honest conversations about the country’s failure and future, involving all stakeholders, are crucial. By engaging in these discussions, Nigerians can confront the underlying issues and take collective responsibility for rebuilding the nation.
Leadership as the Golden Lacquer
The rate at which the quality of governance has declined, from Obasanjo’s administration to the very harrowing experience Nigeria had under Buhari, is disheartening. In Kintsugi, the gold that binds the broken pieces symbolises leadership. Just as the artisan must carefully and skillfully mend the broken pottery, Nigeria’s leaders must take on the role of healers. They must be intentional, transparent, and courageous in addressing the cracks in the nation. Leadership that prioritises the common good over personal gain can act as the “gold” that binds the fractures.
Nigeria has long been plagued by poor governance, with corruption and mismanagement leading to widespread distrust in political institutions. To apply the principles of Kintsugi, our leaders must shift their focus from short-term political gains to long-term national healing. Policies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are the building blocks needed to repair the nation’s broken pieces.
Economic Revitalization: Building from the Broken Pieces
Kintsugi reminds us that brokenness is not the end, but an opportunity for renewal. Nigeria’s economic struggles, from dependence on oil revenues to inflation and unemployment, represent broken pieces that can be transformed into new opportunities for growth. The country’s economic diversification efforts, with a focus on agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, can be seen as part of this rebuilding process, especially for the government of the day which thrives on the mantra of ‘Renewed Hope’.
For Nigeria to rise from its economic struggles, it must invest in its people. Just as the artisan in Kintsugi invests time and skill into repairing pottery, Nigerian leaders, and particularly, President Tinubu must invest in education, infrastructure, and innovation. And by this, I am talking about deliberate actions, not political masturbation. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), encouraging direct foreign investment by providing an enabling environment, and building a robust technological sector, Nigeria can turn its economic cracks into areas of growth and development.
Lest I forget, since Nigeria’s economy thrives on her abundant petroleum at the moment, the gaping crack in that sector must be pierced together as soon as possible, to ensure that Nigeria reaps the benefit of the Dangote refinery to the fullest. In contrast, the four abandoned government refineries are fixed and put to use to further ease the pressure on Nigerians.
The Beauty of Transformation
Kintsugi teaches us that brokenness is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be embraced and transformed. Its beauty lies in the transformation—what was once broken becomes stronger and more beautiful because of the effort and care put into repairing it. Nigeria’s healing will not happen overnight, nor will it be easy. It will require visionary leadership, collective effort, and a commitment to embracing the imperfections that have shaped the nation.