No doubt, there is power in number. Another description for that is “numeric strength.” But what is quantity without quality? Reasonably, we can agree that individuals, organizations or countries would rather choose quality over quantity. Just as products and services are quantifiable, so also is life. Hence, as we have a quality product, we have a quality life.

Regrettably, many do not focus on the necessity of possessing, promoting, and protecting the quality of life. This piece is a kind reminder; that quality of life matters. Sadly and comparatively speaking, our beloved country cares very little about the quality of being. Surprisingly, many African countries, especially Eastern African countries, have improved tremendously in this area. This point is provable on paper and in reality.

Notably, there are three major approaches to determining the quality of life. The first approach is to look at what is prescribed by normative ideals based on some religious, philosophical, or social systems. The second approach is based on the satisfaction of preferences. The last is usually based on and related to the experience of individuals.

As with most concepts, it is difficult to give a clear-cut definition as there is no universally accepted one. Nonetheless, there are two ways researchers worldwide approach issues on quality of life: subjective or objective. The objective approach uses social indicators in a given area such as crime rate, unemployment rate, number of doctors per capita, etc. to determine the quality of life. Whereas, the subjective approach is based on the subjective well-being of individuals. However, a better result is reached when both approaches are combined and seen as complementary. 

By and large, in combining both approaches, there are nine (9) major determinants and factors that stand out. In the interest of brevity, they are; (1) Economic condition, (2) Health, (3) Environment, (4) Governance, (5) Culture, leisure, and community, (6) Family relation, (7) Housing, (8) Education and (9) Security. 

Fairly, these nine factors, although not exhaustive, can give one a clue into a nation’s quality of life. It may be too cumbersome, and perhaps superfluous, to elaborate on each factor. But for expediency’s sake, it suffices to pick two major factors, namely, health and security. Regarding the latter, everywhere and always, the level of security of a state has a very significant impact on and determines one’s quality of life.

Unarguably, the fighting, wanton killings and other related insecurity issues in the North, and of course, all over the country, have decreased the quality of life for its residents. In a 2016 article by “Doctors Without Borders,” many in the area (North) were said to have been cut off from all humanitarian aid due to fighting between the Nigerian military and the militant group Boko Haram. People in this type of region live in constant fear, in mutual suspicion, great distress and with little hope. Constantly in this horrible condition, their lives can be aptly described using the words Thomas Hobbes employed to describe life in the state of nature; 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.' People living under this circumstance should not be said to be living, they are merely surviving.   

Now, we turn to health, another important factor. Independently, the Nigerian health authorities postulated that the country's life expectancy is among the worst in the world. Amongst others are infections such as influenza, pneumonia, lack of diseases control, unavailability and inaccessibility of basic health care facilities, poor health education, and poor ratio of doctor per capita.

According to a Port Harcourt resident, David Tolu-Adamu “We breathe in this harmful substance in our day in, day out, in our sleep, while we work, when we exercise." In truth, this barely describes the real situation. Shockingly also, despite the growth in technology, USAID still reports that many Nigerians struggle with access to clean water. In addition, recent studies show that 100 per cent of the Nigerian population is exposed to pollution than is advised by World Health Organization. All these, and many more, have bearing on life expectancy.

Speaking of life expectancy, the United States of America is shown to be 78.79 years. This seems to be the standard. Besides, it correlates with the Biblical life expectancy.  Remarkably also, life expectancy for Kenya in 2022 is 67.21 years, a 0.39% increase from 2021. And for years now, it has been on the increase. As for Nigeria, life expectancy is 54.69 years although it seems the statistics are too favourable.

Even so, for those who can comparatively analyse the data, it would seem that the western people were created differently. But then, the argument of a superior race is definitely untenable, unchristian, unbiblical, unwise, untheological, and heretical. We all are created equally. The problem does not lie in creation, it lies in the factors stated above, which are largely influenced by governance. 

If we make excuses for the Western world, how do we explain Kenya’s life expectancy at 67 with a huge difference of 13 years compared to Nigeria? A country that hitherto could not stand Nigeria’s economy; a country with less human and natural resources? Mostly, the answer lies in governance. The better quality of life in Kenya is evident and exemplified in the quality of their educational, security and health systems etc.

With all these in mind, the 2027 election is another opportunity for Nigeria to focus on the quality of life and the candidate that can make this happen. Apparently, the quality of a candidate itself is an important index that can help guarantee the quality of life we seek. This is a good focus for the upcoming election: Quality of life.