Joseph’s Principle of ‘Saving’ in Genesis 41: 46- 57 and its Implications for Proper Management of National Wealth in Nigeria Context

Abstract

Poor resource management has been a problem in many resource rich countries in Africa, including Nigeria. Nigeria as the world’s eleventh largest oil exporter with immense wealth coming from annual oil production and trade continues to suffer from poor resource management as a result of corruption, ineptitude, poor leadership, etc. This challenge has therefore led to increased poverty among the people, unemployment, poor infrastructural development, resource-control conflicts as well as ethno-religious conflicts, among others. However, the historical account as recorded in Genesis 41: 46-57 about a major economic recession to be experienced in Egypt, that would lead to seven years famine and drought all over the ‘world’ aptly captured Nigeria’s economic mismanagement debacle. But, by sustainable economic management, statecraft, and acquired skills with integrity, patriotism, and servant-leadership style, Joseph was able to steer the nation (and the then world) out of global economic recession using a major natural endowment of Egypt: Agriculture. It is this challenge of national wealth/economic (mis)management in Nigeria that this paper examined. The Paper employed historical-critical methodology with diachronic exegetical style to contextualise the pericope within the Nigeria experience. Findings revealed that the context of the passage could be applied to the Nigerian situation. Consequently, if Nigeria is to succeed in the management of her national wealth and in the pursuit of an egalitarian society with sustainable economic prosperity and management, she must have patriotic leadership with thirst for an inclusive nation-building stratagem, a leadership that is committed to the rule of law with a demonstrable sense of fair-play and democratic tolerance; a leadership characterised with ability and integrity.