Nigeria At 62: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly -By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim

Nigeria is making another history; history of reflection, looking back and forward as a nation to count it’s gains and loses in the journey of independence.

Nigeria as the giant of African nations gained it’s freedom in the year 1960 from the Colonial rule and on the 1st October, 2022 the country will clock 62 years of independence. The country as an independent nation has achieved a lot in steering it’s affairs. Nigeria has a government of its own, a vision to rekindle, a hope to ignite, a passion to achieve and a dream to resuscitate.

Nigerians are doing very well around the globe, making names in their professions and contributing to the world development. We have a Nigerian as the most richest man in Africa and the 97th richest person globally, we have renowned scholars that excelled in the world. We have great scientists, technologist and doctors that are giving good name to our dear nation. In art, we have people that are whirling the name of Africa from the landscape of our dear nation. We have professional footballers, finest musicians, and good sportsmanship in the world of sports.

Nigeria is greatest because we have great people that sacrificed their time and energy for what we are enjoying. Nigeria “no dey take last”, because Nigerians are committed and dedicated to excellence. These mean the labors of the past heroes; Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Hajia Gambo Sawaba· Margaret Ekpo and other nationalists were never been in vain. Nigerian men and women are doing very well in all human endeavors for the growth of a prosperous and successful nation.

Despite the fact of Nigerian successes on the rail, Nigeria began to plunge into anarchy by the first coup that annihilated the first journey of our democracy on the 15th January, 1966. The coup d’état which killed 22 people divided the centre of the country and bred tribalism. The system became one of the genesis of religious politics in the country and it led to the front of five military coup d’état in the country, and, it also sparked the root of the Nigerian Civil War, known as the Biafran War. The war began in July 6, 1967 to January 13, 1970.

After the returned of civilian rule, Nigerians which were better known as most peaceful people turned to each other’s life. Ethno-religious war and religious crises permeated into the nook and cranny of the dear innocent helpless nation. Many cases of corruption were presented and many people have been castrated in the courts.

Corruption has become the termite that eats deep into the giant flesh of Nigeria. Corruption becomes the reason of Nigeria’s retrogressive journey. Top politicians, administrators, security personnel and educationists have been charged and punished. Nigerian economy dwindles and it’s effect reciprocate on the innocent poor citizens.

Moving to our 62 years of independence, Nigerian universities are locked for seven months. This means, the legacy of our forefathers have been misplaced. Before, independence and after it, our tertiary schools were free and effective in teaching and learning, but, how this happened in our 62 years’ journey?

The journey of Nigeria brought about an ugly situation of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. Before 2007, Nigeria is described as the most peaceful nation in the world. A research explained that Nigerians are the most peaceful people that have no fear of any insecurity problem.

October 2010 marked the first era of bombing in Nigeria and the beginning of terrorism and kidnapping. This ugly situation snailed from urban communities and creeped to rural areas. Kidnapping had cost trillion of naira to Nigerians and terrorism had destroyed hundreds of lives. The two are adding to Nigerians’ hardship and poverty. They made hundreds of people homeless and repelled unaccounted people from their businesses.

But, as we are moving toward another journey of independence and freedom, Nigerians pray that our leaders should stand up to their promises and be committed in making Nigeria peaceful, united and justifiable nation for all.

Long live Nigeria, long live Nigerians!

Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim (Goronyo) is a lecturer of Mass Communication Department, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna and be reached on auwalahmed@kadunapolytechnic.edu.ng