The coming of October 1, every year marks yet another glorious dawn in the history of our dear nation, Nigeria.
Forty eight-years ago, Nigeria became an independent nation.
On that glorious morning of October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the Green-white-Green flag hoisted amidst thunderous ovation.
It was the dawn of a new era, the beginning of nationhood and the march to Elderado. On this particular day, the expectations were high; Nigeria had become an independent nation, free from the fetters of British colonialism.
Thanks to the dogged efforts of Nigeria’s Founding Fathers, people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, to mention but a few.
These were great Nigerians who fought relentlessly to ensure that Nigeria was emancipated from the shackles of colonial rule.
These men were inspired by the need to carve an identity for their fatherland. They were fired by the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, and they were united by the common good for all Nigerians.
In the course of their struggle, they were castigated, harassed and imprisoned by the colonial masters.
But never-the-less, they remained undaunted in the struggle for the actualisation of an independent Nigerian nation.
Their uncompromising posture, eventually forced the colonial master to abandon their expansionist policy which culminated in the birth of an independent Nigerian nation.
In these days of old, corruption, armed robbery, nepotism, cultism and all other vices that have played our nation in the past three decades were alien to our culture.
There was peace, stability and security in the land. You could trust your neighbour for what he says he is, and our leaders were reverred and adored by the people.
But along the line, things fell apart and the centre could no longer hold. Now, you can no longer trust your brother let a lone your neighbour. Our leaders have become the most dreaded foes in the land.
Corruption, armed robbery, political violence, 419, illegal bunkering, mistrust and distrust have become the order of the day what a tragedy!
Our nation once referred to as the giant of Africa has become the laughing stock of the world.
In these part 48 years, our nation has moved from grace to grass, and even now, there seems to be no end to the endless crises plaguing Nigeria as a nation.
But we cannot continue to be pessimistic inspite of the sordid state of things in this country. We have to forge ahead, hoping and believing that one day, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
As our nation marks another independence anniversary, we are moved to make a clarion call on all Nigerians to arise and obey the nation’s call.
In the spirit of independence, we can shun corruption, wipe out political violence, nip armed robbery in the bud and make Nigeria a better place for all to live.
After 48 years, Nigeria has come a long way and the nation cannot continue to grapple in darkness. The time has come for Nigeria to truly march forward as an independent nation.
In the spirit of independence, let our leaders embrace transparency, accountability, honesty, truth and justice. Let the political office holders shun corruption, fiscal indiscipline and nepotism. Nigeria is certainly bigger than any one individual.
Let us embrace the new democratic government under President Musa Yar’Adua. The President has outlined a seven-point agenda as the way forward for this nation. The agenda include the rule of law, industrialisation, power and energy, electoral reform and economic growth.
We cannot hope less than that at this critical time of the nation’s history. All hands must be on deck to make Nigeria great once again.
Let us to be proud of our fatherland, Nigeria is the pride of Africa and the hope of the Black Race.
As the 6th world’s oil producer, Nigeria has all the potentials to become an advanced nation.
We must invest in science and technology. Efforts, must be geared towards improving the nation’s capacity for information technology.
As we celebrate another independence anniversary, let us resolve to work together in harmony, uniting the nation in one political ideology and eliminating those factors that have hindered our progress as an independent nation.
Happy independence anniversary to all Nigerians!
|
