NIGERIA @ 54 Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, with over 160 million inhabitants and 250 ethnic groups will today mark her 54th independence anniversary. There is no gainsaying the fact that 54th independence anniversary is a remarkable landmark in any nation’s life. It is elementary fact of our history that modern day Nigeria came into being on January 1, 1914 following the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria by Sir (Lord) Frederick Lugard. In October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from Britain. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) emerged as Prime Minister. Nnamdi Azikiwe of the National Council for Nigerian citizens (NCNC) became the first Nigerian Governor General and later Nigeria’s first president when the colony became a republic in 1963. Obafemi Awolowo became leader of the opposition. Since independence, Nigeria’s soldiers and politicians have failed to lift 70 percent of their compatriots out of penury. They have failed in building and maintaining viable infrastructure and to curb the menace of corruption that has hitherto led to the siphoning of billions of dollars into foreign bank accounts. The bitter and astringent struggles that faced the new born nation were enough to tear it to shreds. Shortly after the contrived freedom from the colonialist, murder and arson became the order of the day. The Federal Election Crisis of 1964 and Western Nigeria Election Crisis of 1965 threatened the existence of Nigeria. The most devastating crisis that rocked Nigeria was the Nigeria civil war of July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970 coupled with the earlier intervention of the military in 1966 poured more fuel on the raging inferno. Even as the Federal Government of Nigeria is rolling out drums to celebrate Nigeria’s 54th independent anniversary, it is important to take a dispassionate look at some possible reasons why Nigeria has failed to fulfil her potential and provide the leadership the Continent needs. It is regrettably sad that Nigeria is yet to achieve a semblance of cohesion, food security and a host of other fundamental components that make up a virile Nation. The various industries such as Coal, Tin, Columbite, Cotton, Rubber, Woods, Hides and Skin, Cement, and other construction materials, food products, foot wears, chemicals, ceramics, steel, etc. have not been given adequate attention by the government. This is as a result of the failure of the Nigerian leaders to utilize the high earnings from oil to modernize the nation’s agriculture, to invest heavily in infrastructure as a strategy to grow other sectors of the economy and hence lay the required foundation for a truly diversified economy less dependent on oil. At 54, the education sector has not been very impressive. From primary to university level, students are jam packed in classrooms without enough chairs to accommodate them, thus making it inconvenient to learn. During Independence Day and subsequent anniversaries before the military intervention of January 15, 1966, students and pupils were fed from money Chief Obafemi Awolowo generated from Cocoa. Despite the fact that oil has not been discovered, there was free education at all levels. But today, the reverse is the case, now that there is oil, parents can no longer afford school fees for their children and wards. Nigeria at 54 has also excelled in many ways. Nigeria’s foreign policy has been impressively active with the creation of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) in 1975. Also, the enormous achievement of Nigerian artists, professionals, and sports men have also been noteworthy. The sagacious Wole Soyinka became the first African winner of the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature. The eminent Chinua Achebe of blessed memory won the Man Booker prize for Fiction. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche won the Orange Literary Prize. Chiwetel Ejiofor won the Best Actor Oliver Award. Brigadier General (Rtd.) Oviemo Ovadje discovered the Emergency Auto Transfusion Set (EATSET) Blood Transfusion Device which is accepted all over the world. We also have beautiful and historical places and events to show case such as Umuahia War Museum, Oguta Lake, Osun Osogbo Festival, Argungu fishing festival of Kebbi, Eyo festival of Lagos, Dubar festival of Borno and Yankari Game Reserve, which is the only reserve in the world with natural spring water. This is the profile of Nigeria that is rarely projected. The future of the nation at 54 is of course bright. All that is required is the right kind of leadership, coupled with correct policies to unlock its potential to enable Nigeria deliver her vast promises. As we approach the 2015 elections, we should not fold our arms and bemoan the infamy that has hitherto characterized the polity of our dear nation. We must therefore all strive to reposition Nigeria for upward political mobility. At this point in time, Nigeria needs emergency plans to revamp the economy, education, employment, electricity, entrepreneurship, as well as industrialization. Also, Nigeria needs a new culture that makes us more focused, diligent, disciplined, patriotic, tenacious and committed to a better Nigeria. True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what is right. Building a better you is the first step to building a better Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:51:53 +0000
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