A Nation At 62 And The Future Ahead -By Muhammad Yasin Yahaya

A Nation of great people. A nation with a massive population that made her the ‘Giant of Africa’. She’s not just giant of Africa because of her population, but also her speedy recovery from the devastating effects of colonialism to becoming the leading black nation in Africa. Nigeria is the giant of Africa because of her earned space in international affairs. The struggle for freedom and liberation of other countries in Africa shows her strength and the love to see Africa succeed in all endeavors.

Africa is the centerpiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Fitting in the ‘big brother’ shoes is not an easy task. But Nigeria has always pulled through for other nations in her continent and beyond. Nigeria @62 calls for celebration and reflection. We must not forget to pay heed to the lessons of the past. Neither forget the struggles of our heroes past, so their struggles and sacrifices shall not be in vain.
62 years of independence and freedom from external oppression and control. We can’t say that we have it all or got it all right since October 1st, 1960. But we’re still standing tall together. We’re still leading Africa, we’re still in charge of our economy, political space and making our own laws. We have come a long way, yet another step to celebrate and jubilate for the achievements so far.

As we all celebrate, we must not forget to reflect. 60 years and above is a time for reflection and sailing out of the storm towards a brighter path for Nigeria. We can’t deny that all is not well with Nigeria but then again, every nation under the sun faces one problem or another. But the ability to disagree and reach out a compromise on bothering interests has made them stronger and tolerant of each other. 

We’re facing our greatest challenges in the area of corruption and security. For over a decade and half, we’ve been faced with devastating consequences of insecurity. From the Boko Haram insurgence to Farmers and Herders’ clashes. Most recently, kidnappings and banditry have over taken several of our communities. Although, the government is doing its best to bring normalcy in some areas. But we can’t turn a blind eye to the negative consequences on our economy. This has affected our inflation rate, food scarcity and increased poverty index.
The results of insecurity anywhere around the globe is always alarming and pernicious to the general population. In that regard, the government needs to step up proactively in combating the problem of insecurity. For economic growth and to attract foreign investors, we need a secured environment.

Corruption is another area that has left us completely in a terrible dilemma. People often ask why a nation as rich and prosperous as Nigeria would still be the ‘poverty capital’ of the world. But the answer to this question is not far fetched. Corruption is responsible. Looted public funds are the cause, funds meant for social amenities and improvement of living standards are all embezzled by politicians. Corruption has eaten deep, so much so that politicians in our government houses feel so entitled to taxpayers’ money. Corruption in Nigeria didn’t start today, it’s as old as Nigeria herself. Corruption on our soil today has become a thing of ‘turn by turn’ everybody believes that once you’re there, you’ve got to take your own share of the ‘national cake.’

As for myself, I’m of the opinion that corruption has persisted because we have a system that allows it to continue. We have a system that can be compromised, our legal system is designed to favour elites and wealthy over the common people and the downtrodden. The ordinary man has access to court but not access to justice. Therefore, corruption cannot disappear in such society. If we must win the war against corruption, then we must make that decision together, and determined towards achieving it. The more you fight corruption, the more aggressive it fights back.

We need ‘restructuring’ but the restructuring we need is the restructuring of our mindsets.
We should begin to look at the ways we can help Nigeria and not how Nigeria can help us as we have emblazoned in our minds. A changed society is a society with changed people. We have to change our ways and thinking. We often demand good governance and a working society when we ourselves are not ready to be the inhabitants of such society.
The young people people must understand that the future of this country lies with them. We must get involved in our political process, elections are by the corner; we have to step in to play our own part. The beauty of democracy all around the world is the elective process involved, the fact that the decisions lies with the people makes democracy the most widely accepted system of government.

@62 and moving in to another round of elections, we must bear in mind that we need a leader that is up right and proactive. This is a time to make Nigeria greater, 2023 should be about our future not just another political propaganda agenda.
Happy Birthday, NIGERIA. Many more years ahead. An Indissoluble and indivisible nation we shall remain.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Muhammad Yasin Yahaya,
Student, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria,
Kaduna,
Email:muhammadyasin3890@gmail.com