Happy 54th Anniversary Nigeria!

 

Exactly 54 years ago, Nigeria gained its independence from Great Britain. Exactly 54 years ago, Nigerian nationalists and freedom fighters heaved a sigh of relief as their eyes burned with tears of joy and their hearts filled with pride as Nigeria became an independent nation. At last their fight was not in vain! They were victorious! The numerous blood shed for this cause was not futile! The GIANT OF AFRICA is finally INDEPENDENT.

They nurtured great dreams, hopes and visions for this powerful nation that has just been born. Nigeria is a blessed country with so much resources -natural, mineral, human- and they envisioned a country that will some day harness these resources and take over the world in international and foreign trade as well as in scientific inventions cum innovations.

Looking back in retrospect at the state of Nigeria, from the day it gained its independence till today, we lugubriously acknowledge the sad truth that the Nigeria of today has fallen short of the dreams and aspirations of its forerunners. The parasite of corruption has nibbled at the country and has eaten so deep as to cripple the foundations and essence of this great nation. Poverty, bad roads, bad water, erratic electricity, injustice, lack of proper education, bad governance to mention but a few, have greatly shaken the pillars of this great Nation.

In the words of Wole Soyinka "The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility; to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership."

As we celebrate Nigeria's 54th anniversary, we look forward to a better Nigeria. A Nigeria void of corruption. A Nigeria where basic social amenities are no longer a luxury for the average citizen. A Nigeria where free and fair elections are held with no form of violence or rigging. A Nigeria where every citizen is secure and safe. A Nigeria with no violence and tribalism. A Nigeria where our leaders rule with fairness and justice. A Nigeria where the law is no respecter of persons, position or financial strength. A Nigeria filled with peace, love and unity.

As the National Anthem states, "The labours of our heroes past shall never been in vain". God bless you my fellow patriots and God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.