By all indications, the nationalists who fought for the independence of Nigeria would have expected that at 60, the nation will boast of true independence in all ramifications. But happenings in the nation over the years till the present moment have continued to show that the nation is highly dependent on other nations for its survival. More worrisome are the litany of tragedies rocking the country.
October 1st is an iconic day in the history of Nigeria – it was on October 1st, 1960 that the nation gained independence from the colonial masters. But 60 years down the line, the Nigerian story is still worrisome.
Our Nigeria Correspondent, who sampled Nigerians’ opinion on their thoughts on Nigeria @60 and the way forward, writes that the masses are clamoring for overhauling of the nation’s leadership to birth a new Nigeria that will work. Below are some of the feedbacks:
Joyce Onotseogbana Okiti Esq.
At 60, Nigeria still operates in a system wherein selfishness and self centeredness drives our leaders, instead of inclusive development at the grassroots. Nigeria is a country blessed with little of every natural resources on the surface of the earth, with crude oil in abundance. Yet, with all these natural richness, Nigeria is still considered as one of the poorest countries of the world. No thanks to corrupt leadership and misappropriation of public funds.
I believe the way out of all the challenges and issues is to return to either regional system of government or we should adopt a Confederate system whereby the 6 geopolitical zones would have their own president and there should be a new constitution to unify all.
In absence of all these, I fear that development is only something that we would keep hoping, yearning and dreaming of but may never be a reality.
Engr Solomon Onitsha
The worst thing that has happened to Nigeria is amalgamation; giving independence to Nigeria is like giving an egg to a child to cater for. The Nigerian system has totally failed its citizens and the worst of it all is this present government which I will tag as scalar government, science students will understand what I mean by scalar government – a government without direction.
Nigeria at 60 is a total show of shame. At a time when the entire world is being ravaged by a deadly disease the Nigerian state is inflicting more pains on its citizens. The world is battling with virus but Nigeria has viruses killing every aspect of its economy. Oh what a double virus we are really battling. The judicial system which is supposed to be the hope of the common man is now the tool being used by the government to inflict pains on the masses. Nigeria needs decolonization.
Paulyn Abu – Sales/Inventory Staff
The many issues bedeviling Nigeria at this sacred age are obvious even to the dumb, instead of getting better at this age, the country is rather retrogressive. Not even a single sector is working.
The only place the country is leading is in corruption, in all spheres. Nigeria is such a huge joke. We do not even need to bore ourselves with details of our backwardness. A popular saying has it that that a dried fish cannot be reshaped, but Nigeria could be different because life means hope and Nigeria isn’t a fish.
The way forward is changing our leaders, as well as our ways. We need to be purposeful in choosing our leaders; immediate gratification shouldn’t be our aim. Let us take a cue from the just concluded Edo elections, let the masses take charge. This is not just time to pray, let the youths arise.
Favour Ajieh – Insurance Marketer
Nigeria @60 is a shame and pity. It’s often said that a fool @40 is a fool forever; this is true and affecting our nation. Imagine @60 and still classified as a developing country, almost every sector if not all have failed in their responsibilities to make our country a better place for its citizens. The painful and annoying part is that it gets worse daily as different things unfold. The truth is our leaders have failed. For us to experience change it will take nothing but the Grace of God because corruption has eaten deep into our nation. Imagine being made Local Government chairman of a locality where you don’t stay or know nothing about, talk more of knowing the needs of the people. Imagine being made the minister of health when you don’t have an idea about it; these are a little about the things we experience. However, it is not out of place to say that the change we all clamor for starts with us, if we can be faithful in our little offices and put hands together then together we can make it better. I used to be among the people who have given up about change in Nigeria but now I think there is a glimpse of hope.
Kate Anyaepia – Business Woman
Generally, life itself is getting more corrupt. And Nigeria is not left out. Day by day we see different things like the poor being executed while the rich go free. Increase in price of things, borrowing money here and there despite the heavy taxes people pay; leaving the masses to suffer while the politicians drag the money into their houses. The only virus, covid-19, that understands the pains of the poor, executing the rich corrupt citizens is now being manipulated by the rich against the poor. The leaders are carried away with the huge amount of money they are being paid. I think the leaders should be paid little salaries if we want to have good genuine leaders.
Secondly, drawing closer to God is the only perfect way out of all the drama in the country. But my fear is, how can these souls sold to devil long ago, come closer to God. Whether you like it or not if devil-controlled leaders are leading us we will go nowhere better but if God fearing leaders lead us, there is hope for better tomorrow.
Bldr Paul Ikpotor
The truth is that Nigeria has been sold for 30billuin dollars. The issues are enormous. Fuel increase to N162, electricity bills increase, all network subscription increase, schools closed down, Nigeria youths busy voting and increasing immorality on social media instead of using the social media to talk to the federal government to change, announcing our budgets in Dollar’s instead of Naira, are we America? The Nigerian youth need to rise up and hold the government accountable. The youth need to take over. I am calling on Nigerian youth to rise up and take what belongs to them so that this nation can move forward.
Olumide Adeoluwa – Teacher
All that is coming to my head at this point are the words of Chinua Achebe who said there was a country. It is disturbing and worrisome that no singer facet of the country is working. To me, Nigeria is yet to be independent. The only way forward is to overhaul this entity called Nigeria. Buhari and his cabinet needs to resign. We need fresh minds to oversee the leadership of this nation.
