Nigeria at 64: A Nation in Sober Reflection, Not Celebration
Abdullateef Isa
Recently, Nigeria celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, and the question on the lips of many Nigerians was: where is the country heading towards? Those who witnessed the events that led to the country’s independence remembered the events with nostalgia and wondered what exactly should be celebrated 64 years later.
A 64th independence anniversary that ought to be marked with all the fanfare it deserves turned into an occasion for deep sober reflection among concerned citizens. Instead of jubilation, many Nigerians thought about the rot that had happened and is still happening to the country, the so-called giant of Africa.
When independence was achieved on 1st October 1960, the people were filled with euphoria. Sadly, the reverse is the case today. In the last paragraph of the 1st October 1963 editorial of the Daily Times, the charge was, “Roll out the drums, blow the trumpets, let the fanfare echo to the four corners of the world. Africa’s most populous State, strides out with renewed faith this glorious morning”. Could anyone make such a charge today? Well, let the person try it, and he would be tongue-lashed.
In its 1st October 1969 editorial, the Daily Times remarked, “The surviving generation of Nigerians who have managed to live through 40 years of the nationalist struggle for freedom, must be disappointed that the dream of a greater Nigeria in which millions permitted themselves to revel on October 1, 1960—that the transfer of political power from foreigners to indigenes would usher in an era of peace and orderly government—has remained as elusive as ever before independence”. Sadly, it seems the Daily Times was remarking about present-day Nigeria. Most of the issues raised then persist today and there has been little development in every considered sector. It feels as if Nigeria is a snail, crawling along.
The most shocking thing, however, is how Nigerian leaders live large while the citizens suffer. It is surprising how a country whose leaders indulge in nonessentials, such as presidential yacht, aircraft, and motorcade, seeks debt relief. Only the leaders appear happy, and all evidence suggests they are unwilling or nonworking towards making the people too happy. Funds meant for developmental projects are often swindled and stored in personal reserves.
Despite its abundant natural and human resources, Nigeria remains in disarray. These resources are often mismanaged, underutilized, or better said, wasted. Brains that ought to be efficiently used for individual and societal development are pushed to the walls by harsh economic realities. Many brilliant Nigerian brains have deserted Nigeria and left for where they can better their lives. ‘Japa’ is on a geometric rise.
Enough said! Nigerian leaders must rise to the occasion and see to the nation’s pressing issues. A person’s sire-land should not feel like a burden. Leaders should strive to take the people to where they ought to be, and not punish them for offences they did not commit. Issues that concern the people must be promptly addressed the way the national anthem was swiftly switched. Restructuring is imminent at this point, and leaders must stop paying lip service to it.
It is disheartening to note that today, many Nigerian youths are indifferent to their country. Those who show genuine interest in the state of the nation are often labelled lunatics and looked at with disdain. The reason for this is not far-fetched. It stems from the actions and inactions of the leaders. Youths wonder what country exactly they would be loyal to. A country that cares less about them and their well-being? Patriotism cannot be built when leaders are not exemplary.
The citizens, too, must do better. Leaders emerge from among the people, and Nigerians need to start cultivating leadership skills from a tender age. The mentality of “I will take my share when I get there” must be buried and buried for good. If this trend continues, no one will be safe. Positive change must begin with each Nigerian.
Student leaders in educational institutions must start leading by example, demonstrating to current leaders that things can be done better. Intellectual student unionism should be revitalized, bringing back the kind of days when Nigerian students actively and orderly engaged in public interest matters.
Nigerians, individually and collectively, must display a patriotic interest in the leadership recruitment process. They must seek out leaders who will be responsive to their needs. At the same time, they must begin to look at what they can offer the country, and not just what the country can offer them. They must note that for lasting change to occur, it must occur from the inside out. And hopefully, with all necessary things done, Nigeria at 65 will be better for all.
