Today, October 1st, Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Six decades ago, in 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule, an historic moment that raised great hopes for a nation with enormous human and natural resources.
Today, 66 years later, Nigeria has certainly changed. We have experienced military and civilian administrations, economic reforms, political transitions, technological advancement and significant growth in many sectors, but as we celebrate, Independence Day should also be a moment of reflection.
The question now is not only, how far have we come? we can also ask ourselves, are we building the Nigeria that our founding generation hoped for?
Nigeria has enormous potentials, ranging from a large and youthful population to abundant natural resources, talented professionals to entrepreneurs, farmers, scientists, teachers and creative young people among others, making their contributions both at home and abroad.
As far as Nigeria has come, her citizens continue to face serious challenges of insecurity, poor infrastructure, inflation, low living standards, unemployment plus underemployment, poor or no access to quality healthcare and education, lack of portable water as well as concerns about electricity and economic opportunities among others.
All these challenges are pointers to the fact that independence is more than freedom from colonial rule. True national development requires the ability of citizens to live with dignity, access opportunities and believe that their efforts can lead to a better future.
Government has a major responsibility in this regards. Citizens expect effective leadership, transparency, accountability, security, quality public services and policies that create opportunities for people to work and prosper.
It’s worthy of note that nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone.
Citizens must also contribute their own quota. We must respect and obey the rule of law, shun corruption, protect public property, pay legitimate taxes, participate responsibly in democratic processes and demand accountability from those entrusted with political and public offices.
For young Nigerians in particular, independence should represent hope and opportunity. There’s the need to be educated acquire skills, get meaningful employment, and contribute their talents to national development.
On the occasion of the 66th independence anniversary, the Director General of OSRC media group Mr Kenneth Odusola Stevenson congratulates Nigerians, encourages them to celebrate visible achievements despite the challenges and renew their commitments to the country.
Kenneth Odusola Stevenson says although we may not be where we should be as a country, our future depends largely on the choices we make today.
OSRC media group congratulates Nigerians, saying that building a country desired by all requires every hand to be on deck, responsible leadership, active citizenship, unity and commitment to national development.
OSRC media group admonishes Nigerians to always remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us and that the responsibility to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive nation rests on us all.
Happy Independence anniversary to Nigeria.
THE NEWS TALK TODAY WRITTEN BY ADEBIMPE AKINDELE WAS ON NIGERIA AT 66.
