Nigeria is a fertile land with rich traditions and countless natural resources, a great country brought to its knees by poverty and corruption. This same country is celebrating her 50th anniversary and there are lots of programmes in the national, state and local government levels to commemorate our liberation from our colonial masters.
Today, we stand and stare, looking back at the 50 years of freedom, decisions, governance and policies. One cannot say with all honesty that we are better off than when we had colonial masters. I live in a rural area where everything modern appears impossible. There are few hospitals which are also ill equipped; many children who cannot afford schooling; poor security, high rates of unemployment and leaders who don‘t care about their followers. Why should a country, filled with people who have great ideas and prospects, still languish in lack and penury?
Fifty years after independence, Nigeria remains an enigma wrapped in the gloom of overwhelming paradox, a nation steeped in history and yet behind history; a culture rich in arts and music, but poor in mass education and formal learning. A civilised, cheerful and kind people, who appear inferior, indolent and debauched. A religious society who thinks nothing of perpetuating evil when it is most convenient.
Recently, Nigeria was listed among the worst economies in the world. Are we to say we are the most affected by the economic meltdown? Take for instance, the educational sector apart from the frequent strike by university lecturers, it has been observed that our universities produce graduates who are incapable of defending their certificates and unable to become entrepreneurs because of the archaic curriculums. There was a time the doctors in the country went on strike, the civil servants, secondary and primary school teachers have now joined in this disgraceful act all because of the poor leadership and economic mis-management.
This October, we are celebrating our 50th independence but is Nigeria really independent? Are we actually reaping the dividends of true democracy? If only we could re-examine our priorities and try our best to transform our ideas into reality, Nigeria can be a country with youths who are free from being delinquent and adults who are honest in conscience and in deeds, a place where every child is well-informed; a country where all sick people will be able to pay for their hospital bills and enjoy stable power supply; a reformed educational structure which will equip our students with the relevant skills that will make them self-reliant and become job creators; a country of free and fair elections, incorruptible uniformed men and abundant food from the agricultural sector, a country with accountable leaders devoid of corruption, crimes and all forms of religious crisis.
Nigeria needs to wake up! If we don‘t know where we are going, at least we should know where we came from. We are yet to improve on the structures left behind by our colonial masters. Instead, to our shame, we have destroyed what was left behind with nothing in place for the future generations. Oct. 1 should not only be a day of celebration, it should be a day of sobriety. We should ask ourselves where we got it wrong and make the decision to get it right. It is not a day to trade blames because we have all failed, both leaders and followers. Happy independence anniversary.
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