Nigeria @55, Lets Praise and Blame Ourselves

Nigeria@55

Nigeria is 55 years old today (1/10/15). As Nigeria celebrates her independency anniversary, let us pause, praise and blame ourselves for our fate, as we are the architects of Nigeria’s destiny and woes. Its worthy of note that Nigeria has remained as one till date, even though our foundation appears shaky and wobbly. But thank God, there is no major war,(even though the war against Boko Haram is ongoing). Thank God too, that there are no major natural disasters (even though some of our leaders are worst than natural calamities). But in all, let’s be grateful for the relative peace we enjoy. Countries like Libya, Syria, Somalia, etc are in major wars. Their citizens are worst off as a result. Watching millions of refugees from Syria, and seeing other war torn countries, makes you appreciate Nigeria.
As citizens, we need to work hard for peace and unity of Nigeria. Last line of the second verse of our National Anthem says “To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”. The government and the citizens have roles to play towards building the Nigerian nation, where peace, fairness, equity and justice shall reign. Singapore has similar clause on their national pledge which says, “We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation” Though Singapore is small and diverse, yet they are working for the unity of their country.

Nigeria/ns should copy other countries (USA, UK, European Union, India, and China) and build our unity out of our diversity. We are better as one big entity where justice and equity can reign. As we celebrate and reflect today, yours truly suggests, we follow the Chinese examples (massive trading, industrialization, innovations on science and technology, zero tolerance on corruption etc) to model Nigeria. Co-incidentally, Nigeria shares the same Independence Day with China. While China is 66 today, Nigeria is 55 years old. In addition to the above, we have so many similarities. Nigeria is multi cultural country as well as China. Both nations have large multi ethnic groups. The two countries have large population. China is the most populous country in the world, whereas Nigeria is the most populous African country etc.

Remember, that we have to blame ourselves (leaders and followers) for the present situation we have found Nigeria. We should be prepared to accept further blames, if we fail to play our roles in nation building. Failure is unimaginable. Failure is not an option. Fellow citizens, now is the time to give our best to motherland. Kindly accept my warm regards on this anniversary day.
C.V.Akuta.
UK