It is another October, a month dedicated to celebrating our Nation’s Independence. Under normal human conditions, freedom should bring joy and gladness, yet after the many years of Independence, we still celebrate not triumph, but a Nation that has continued to wallow in poverty despite the amount of riches she is gifted with.

As we celebrate our national day, we must confront the harsh realities that have plagued our beloved Nation since Independence. The euphoria of freedom has long faded, replaced by disappointment, frustration, and despair. Nigeria's potential remains untapped, its people suffering under the weight of mis-governance, corruption, and inefficiency. 

Six decades after Independence, Nigeria still grapples with basic infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, education, and security. Our economy, once buoyed by oil wealth, now struggles to diversify, leaving us vulnerable to global market fluctuations. The Nigerian dream, once filled with promise, has become a nightmare for many, little wonder, many have embraced the ‘japa’ syndrome as an escape from the misery and redundancy.

As much as this work is not to engage in a blame game, we cannot however refuse to point out some of the fault lines that has led us to where we are today.This is necessary for a proper reflection and action.

These include:

1. Leadership Failure: Successive administrations have prioritized personal interests over national progress.

2. Corruption: Endemic graft has crippled institutions, stifled growth, and perpetuated poverty.

3. Ethnic and Religious Divisions: Persistent tensions have hindered national unity and fueled violence.

4. Inadequate Infrastructure: Decaying roads, inadequate power supply, and poor public services.

Every Independence celebration is a direct call to action, seeking better ways to reignite the potentials of this great nation.

 

To reclaim our Nation's potential, we must:

1. Elect Competent Leaders: Demand visionary, accountable leadership through credible elections.

2. Institutional Reforms: Strengthen anti-corruption agencies, judiciary, and public institutions.

3. National Unity: Foster inclusive dialogue, address historical grievances, and promote inter-ethnic understanding.

4. Invest in Human Capital: Prioritize education, healthcare, and skills development.

5. Diversify the Economy: Encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable industries.

6. Security Reforms: Address insecurity through community policing, intelligence gathering, and border control.

 

Nigeria's rebirth requires collective responsibility: 

Active Citizenship: Engage in constructive discourse, participate in elections, and hold leaders accountable. 

National Conversation: Encourage open dialogue on our shared future. 

Innovative Solutions: Leverage technology, creativity, and expertise to tackle national challenges.

 

Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land, though tribes and tongues may differ, in unity we stand. Nigerians all, and proud to serve, our sovereign Motherland. Our flag shall be a symbol, that truth and justice reign, in peace or battle honoured, and this we count as gain, to hand on to our children, a banner without stain. O God of all creation, grant this our one request: Help us to build a nation where no one is oppressed, and so with peace and all Nigerians shall be blessed.

As we hail Nigeria, we must acknowledge our failures and recommit to the nation's promise. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the generations to come. The Time for Change is Now. Let us unite to rebuild, restore, and revive our beloved Nigeria. Rebuilding Nigeria requires a collective effort from citizens, government, and international partners. 

God bless Nigeria!