Nigeria At 62: The Way Forward

By Mercy Johnson

 

It’s been 62 years since Nigeria gained her independence and broke free from the shackles of colonial rule. From 1960 till now, a lot has occurred. The nation has experienced growth as well as setbacks but one thing remains; we are an independent nation, sovereign and free to make choices beneficial to us as a nation.

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Have we been able to utilize the benefits of Independence in the past 62 years? Where are we currently and what is the way forward from here?

Years before now, the Independence Day celebration has always been a day packed with a lot of excitement with the nostalgia from history bringing a sense of joy in the heart of Nigerians. Activities of the celebration were carried out and the ‘labour of our heroes past’ was remembered with glee and gratitude.

However, in recent times, the ambience of the Independence Day celebration has drastically changed as a lot of Nigerians do not feel the need to celebrate due to the current state of the nation. Despite her natural resources and sufficient amount of skilled and unskilled labour, Nigeria has faced setbacks that have worsened the economy over the years. Apart from the issue of economic setbacks, we have battled and still battle with issues like insecurity, unemployment, among others. These issues have set the mood of Nigerians in displeasure and apathy regarding the Independence DayIndependence Day Celebration.

Despite the current mood, there is a ray of hope in the minds of Nigerians that Nigeria can and will be better. The upcoming 2023 elections have elicited hope and faith as Nigerians have become more politically conscious and eager to ensure they get it right in the coming elections by voting in the candidate they deem worthy to lead. There is a clamour for change in the air and a desperate need to revive the nation.

Before this change can occur, we, as a nation have to understand and be aware of where we are currently, which is no doubt a chaotic place as a lot of people no longer find peace, progress and comfort within the shores of the nation and are hurriedly leaving to other countries in search of greener pastures. The economy isn’t friendly; the blood of our brothers is being spilled on a regular basis as a result of insecurity and our educational system isn’t favorable to groom the leaders of tomorrow.

We also have to understand where we ought to be which is quite distant from where we are currently. At 62, with our capacity and natural resources, we ought not to be where we currently are. We ought to have greatly developed to the point we have a better educational system, good infrastructural facilities, a concrete plan for the benefit of the youths and children, a better security system and a whole lot more.

It is, however, not enough to know where we ought to be, we have to know how to get to where we ought to be. We have to quit the habit of just stating the problem and focus on bringing solutions as a nation. We have to understand that the change begins with us and sensitize the apathetic citizens amongst us to spike up their interest to join the train of change so that unitedly, we would create a better Nigeria.

The Independence Day celebration should therefore be one of deep sober reflection as a Nation looking at where we’ve been, where we are, where we ought to be and how we can get to where we ought to be. No doubt, our progress as a nation has been quite slow and there is a dire need to “Arise, O Compatriots!” and lift up the banner of our fatherland, marching in unity and faith to better days.

 

Mercy Johnson writes from UniLag