The Journey So Far Since Independence -By Ilobi Charles

“It’s not how long  you live, it’s how well you live.” – Martin Luther King Jr

Hurray!!! Nigeria is 60years old. This remarkable feat calls for celebration because of the various encounters this young nation of ours have experienced since it gained independence. Nigeria was among the nations reportedly listed by the United States to disintegrate into smaller countries but here we are still sailing through in unity as a single nation.

Nigeria has had its ups and downs since her independence and we are going to take a look at the achievements and challenges encountered so far.

The areas Nigeria has achieved notable success;

DEMOCRACY

It’s still a shocking feat when one recalls what Nigerian has gone through in its early years of independence ranging from the Biafran war that occurred from 1967 to 1970, the coup, counter coup and failed coup by the military administration. All these saw a tender nation heading towards disintegration. As intense as those events which threatened our national unity and existence were, we are still glued tightly together to each other as one Nigeria. The helm of the military regime has finally come to a halt and the stable ship of democracy has finally been embraced

FOREIGN POLICY

This is one area Nigeria has really faired well in especially at the African stage. We have maintained a level of command in the diplomatic affairs and decision making in Africa. Nigeria was one of the founding members of Organization for African Unity (OAU), which later became the African Union. Nigeria also spearheaded the founding of ECOWAS and ECOMOG, economic and military organizations, respectively.

Entertainment Sector

The Entertainment sector has studios. been one of the fastest growing sector in The Nigeria movie industry, Nollywood is regarded as the biggest movie industry in Africa and arguably the third behind “Hollywood” and “Bollywood”. Nollywood has established itself as major cultural  force in Nigeria and the rest of the Africa.

The music industry has also grown to be a major source of our countries pride to the rest of the world. The growing number of new production studios and artistes springing up has paved way for a more vibrant and self sustaining industry.

Other Notable achievements of Nigeria since independence are; the best and largest army in West  Africa, access to information, communication and most importantly her citizens who have flown the flag of excellence both in Nigeria and  diaspora and have achieved both national and international recognitions in there respective fields.

Nigeria’s major challenges for over 60 years of independence still sadly remains the same; Leadership, national unity and economic development. 

LEADERSHIP

The role of good leaders in the governance of a nation cannot be undermined. The words of Suzy Kassem bears witness to this fact where he said that “A nations greatness depends on its leaders”. Nigeria have everything it takes to be a world power but the inabilities of our leaders to rise to the responsibilities and challenges of attaining greatness has diminished our growth as a nation since independence.

For Nigeria to experience an all round growth in all aspects of our existence we need leaders who are up to the task, who would embrace honor and integrity as a watchword and not see the national treasury as a personal property to allocate to family and friends.

“A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of it’s people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honorable place in history” – Mr Lee Khan Yew

NATIONAL UNITY_ “We are different; we are always have been and always will be. However, different shouldn’t divide us, but unify us because different is an asset.”_ – Elizabeth Margo

Despite being together for this past 60 years as one people, unity has always eluded Nigeria. The conflicts encountered in Nigeria has either been caused by difference in ethnicity or religion. A nation were her citizens ask themselves on first sight, which state are you from? Are you a christian or a Muslim? This kind of questionable demonstrates our lack of cohesion as a nation to accept each others difference. Until tribalism and religious bias are put away in this country, attain a united and peaceful Nigeria might be a mission impossible.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It’s ironical how a country richly blessed with mineral and natural resources could be regarded as the world’s poverty capital. Nigeria’s social spending (mainly on health, education and social protection) is reportedly shamefully low.

The lack of economic development in Nigeria can be attributed to our over dependence on oil and stubbornness to invest in other sectors of the economy. There have been consequential negligence to not just technology and industrialization but also our educational sector. The Nigerian economy is termed as “growth without development”. Where we record economic growth only on paper with no substantial effect of the supposed growth on the Nigerian citizens. The insecurities and chaos being experienced in our country so far can also be traced down to the failures in our economic system. Without development thee can’t be peace and neither can there be peace without development. The  unscrupulous and constant looting of the national funds by the leadership has not been of help to the economy. This country needs a leadership that is more people oriented and considers the interest of the nation first even above their own personal gains.

It is said that there is no problem without a solution. We can still live up to the expectations of the African giants we are known to be. Good leaders at the helm of affairs in Nigeria can steer this country to not just economic growth and unity but also as a force to reckon with at the international  stage.

Nigeria at 60, we are still a young nation that has experience delays in its progress as a nation but together we can fix it. We all have a role to play in the journey of this great nation. A role to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria with all our strength. To defend her unity. To uphold her honour and glory.

So help us God