CELEBRATING NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE -
A MISPLACED PRIORITY
Written by MAHMOOD ABDULBASIT ADEWOLE, a Patriotic Nigerian.
Introduction:
Nigeria like many other African countries was colonized by the Britain, until it gained its independence as a sovereign state on October 1st 1960. This day has been set aside to celebrate the country's independence every year, look back at the journey so far, then reflect how much has been achieved, and the prospects for the future.
*The journey so far and the possible way out:*
Looking critically at the present situation of things in the country, similar questions beg for an answers; what are we celebrating and is there any cause for celebration? Things don't seem to be getting better, in fact, they may be getting worse in terms of education, exchange rate nightmare, healthcare standard, alarming rate of insecurity, inflation, recession, standard of living, and unemployment, among others.
On the memory lane, some patriots fought for the independence of this country with their lives, sweat and hard work, we must continue to honour and celebrate them by keeping to their golden steps; improving on same, and not otherwise. These patriotic predecessors cared so much about the independence and development of the country, the condition of her citizens, as well as the next generation, and not the next election like we have it with the majority of the contemporary leaders.
Many at times, Nigerians have been scammed with empty promises by desperate politicians who only care about their own selves and thereby, turn politics to money making enterprise. Well, they are not really to be blamed because the attitude of many Nigerians as regards the type of leaders they choose or support constitute to that. Many Nigerians prefer selling their votes during election and or prioritizing their own selfish interests to having a better and working Nigeria for all.
Nigeria is a country that has a lot, yet her citizens complain and suffer a lot. As a nation, the leaders have failed to utilize the numerous resources the country has been blessed with to ameliorate and or better the condition of the country and its citizens. Nigeria is presently in an era where the majority of the leaders ignore the outcry of the masses, while objective criticisms is mistaken for some political inclinations.
Be that as it may, the failure and or problem(s) of Nigeria as a nation is not only to be blamed on her leaders, but also the citizens. In fact, the citizens are the genesis of her predicament and the barrier to her overdue progress. The citizens are the people who chose the leaders they got, not otherwise. Thus, not until the citizens of Nigeria begin to do things the right way, pay their taxes, stop supporting mediocrity, and keep the government on its toes rather than praising them unnecessarily, we would remain on the same spot.
We would have been having a merry independence if the cankerworm called corruption which has eaten deep the fabric and or growth of the nation (in virtually all sectors) had been curbed during that era of War Against Indiscipline. No doubt, things have really gone wrong in this country, and the major call for concern now is 'the threat to the unity of the nation'. In a bid to progress, the country needs unity, rather than restructuring at this point. As true Nigerians, we need to put Nigeria first in everything and not ethnic groups or religion (among other dividing factors). I have a conviction that if this ideology is promoted, the county would move forward.
On the part of the government, there is need to cut down the cost of running the nation, it is high time they cut down the exorbitant salaries of the political office holders, as well as other related government officials. Wealthy Nigerians should invest more in the economy of the country instead of boosting foreign economy, while the intellectuals should use their great ideas for the betterment of the country.
By and large, every Nigerian needs to reflect on the realities on ground and make committed efforts to save this pitiable country from its last stage of demise, because this is the only place we can call 'our true home'. It is a fact that, the situation staring at us is discomforting and precarious, hence, there is need to put more workable efforts in a holistic approach, then seek God's intervention in order to rescue the situation of things before it completely crumple.
*Conclusion:*
Nigerians are the problem of Nigeria, as well as the solution to her problem. For the situation of Nigeria to change, the Nigerians need to change. As patriotic citizens of Nigeria, we need to always remember this is our country and we must do our best to keep it one and working for the benefit of all. Nigerians are the only ones that can make Nigeria work through commitment, dedication, honesty, love, pro-activeness and unity in diversity, etc.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigerians.
© MAHMOOD ABDULBASIT ADEWOLE can be reached via his gmail address:
abdulbasitadewole@gmail.com
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