Today, as Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, one cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of mourning rather than celebration. Sixty-five years of existence as a sovereign nation should be a milestone of pride, reflection, and achievement. Yet, as we look across the landscape of our society, the reality is stark: our nation stands at a crossroads, burdened by a legacy of poor leadership, rampant corruption, and a failure to harness the immense potential that lies within our borders.
Despite the wealth of natural resources—oil, minerals, fertile land, and a vibrant youth population—Nigeria has been declared the poverty capital of the world. This tragic irony is a testament to the failed governance that has plagued our nation for decades. Politicians, year in and year out, parade empty promises, lulling the populace into a state of complacency while they loot the very funds meant for national development. The education system, once a pride of our nation, has crumbled under the weight of neglect, leaving our future generations with little hope of competing on a global stage.
If Nigeria were a human being, at 65, it would be a time for retirement—a time to reflect on a life filled with remarkable achievements and to take pride in the successes of the next generation. Instead, we are confronted with a painful reality: our children, despite their brilliance and potential, are often forced to seek opportunities abroad, while those in power send their own to the best schools in the world. This stark juxtaposition reveals a systemic failure to invest in our human capital, and in turn, our society.
The disillusionment with leadership is not a new phenomenon. Even as we transitioned from military to civilian rule, the quality of governance has remained dismal. Nigerians are disenchanted, and rightfully so. Those who criticize the current state of affairs often find themselves repeating the same mistakes when given the opportunity to lead. This raises fundamental questions about the underlying issues that hinder our progress. Why do we continue to struggle despite our vast resources? Why do successive regimes seem to exacerbate rather than alleviate the challenges we face?
The comparison with other nations, such as Brazil and Malaysia, evokes a deep sense of despair. Once classified alongside them as developing countries, Nigeria has since fallen significantly behind. The gap between our nation and these countries has widened over time, leaving us to wonder about the root causes of this decline. Instead of progress, we have witnessed stagnation, with the high-stakes nature of politics overshadowing genuine efforts for advancement.
As we mourn Nigeria at 65, we must also consider what can be done to reverse our fortunes. We need leaders who are committed to purposeful governance, who prioritize the welfare of the citizens over personal gain. We must look towards examples set by nations like Singapore and the UAE, where visionary leadership has transformed their societies into thriving economies. These countries have demonstrated that with dedication, integrity, and a clear vision, it is possible to rise from the ashes of despair and build a prosperous future.
In conclusion, let this anniversary serve as a solemn reminder of what we have lost and what we still have the potential to achieve. It is time for our leaders to learn from the successes of others and to prioritize the needs of the people they serve. Nigeria deserves better. At 65, it is not too late to turn our narrative around, but it requires a collective commitment to change, integrity, and visionary leadership. If we dare to dream of a better future, we must start by holding our leaders accountable and demanding the change that has long been overdue.
