There is hope
At 53, Nigeria seems to be getting
weaker and weaker. The country is like an old man that needs a ‘third leg’ to
walk or a child who cannot provide for himself. Nigeria still depends on other
nations by importing most of the things it needs. We are still operating an
economy that depends largely on oil. The level of poverty increases on a daily
basis, insurgencies, kidnappings and robberies are on the rise. There is
corruption in high places, food shortages, environmental degradation,
inconsistent government policies, bad roads and epileptic electricity supply.
However, Nigeria has a lot of potential, except that its leaders have not been
able to harness it. For some of us who are still optimistic, there is hope for
the country. God bless Nigeria.
— Andrew Amata
We all have roles to play
Mother Nigeria is 53! To God be the
glory. Different ceremonies, including the already -denied 53 gold-plated
iphones gifts, have been planned to celebrate the event. However, the founding
fathers of Nigeria are not likely to be happy in their graves because the
principles of social contract/justice; human rights, security, good governance and
accountability remain a mirage. The present crop of leaders seems to be
allergic to good governance. The only way out is sincerity in governance and
genuineness of the people in governance. The will of the people in choosing
their leaders should be respected. Good governance should replace corruption
and impunity. The citizens should also perform their civic responsibilities.
— Mujeeb Raji-Abaja
We were better off 50 years ago
The point to note here is that the
country, at 53, is at a more confused state in the area of progress and
positive recognition than it was a few years ago. What do you tell a nation
that never seems to get its acts right? The fact that Nigeria has refused to
grow into nationhood is evidence of its failure. I do not want to moan
about the many opportunities that past regimes had
missed especially the present one. To borrow from Charles Dickens’ book, the
current administration came with a “Great Expectations” but it has failed to
excite Nigerians. Since I am not in tune with what is even going on among the
cabin crew of the ship of the Nigerian state, I will rather not moan for long
but look on the bright side. We are more divided now than even during the civil
war years. But I know that a change of attitude by our leaders can leapfrog the
country to the frontlines in micro seconds.
— Ikem Okuhu
We need action
Midlife, 53, Nigeria, crisis.
These are the first set of words that dance around my head as I try to
find the words to express all I want to say as we ‘celebrate’ this year’s
October 1. What words should I highlight? What ideas should I emphasise?
Is it strike, salaries, allowances, Jonathan, New PDP, PDP, APC, Boko
Haram, National Assembly, infrastructure, corruption, national cake, private
jets, PHCN, technology, petroleum, civil service, public service, 2015 or
refineries? Some chastise the youth: “Why aren’t they doing something? Let them
protest!” Comparisons are often drawn from countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin
Republic, US and the UK. Nothing is happening in Nigeria. We keep talking the
talk but no results. The sad fact about all that is happening in Nigeria is
that blood is shed, lives are lost and hopes shattered daily because someone
somewhere in Nigeria does not care about anything beyond his (and sometimes his
family’s) interest. It is sad.
— Damilola Afolayan
Corruption rate too high
I will say the level at which this
great country is still underdeveloped is too high. Also, there is still an
alarming rate of corruption in the country. Except there is a total overhaul of
the system, the ruling class and cabal are not ready to allow the country
to progress. The country needs new hands in government. This must be the first
approach to tackling the many problems and chaotic situation the ruling elite
have thrown the country into.
— Trust Ifiogho
Nigeria has underperformed
I see Nigeria as a perennial
underperformer because, with the enormous resources at its disposal, the
country should be doing a lot better than it is currently doing.The country is
performing poorly on virtually every index for measuring the quality of life
and national development, while the gains of democracy are yet to be fully
translated into concrete benefits for the man on the street, even as systemic
problems seem to defy solutions. While it would be fashionable to blame the
government for the present state the country, I think the citizenry should also
shoulder some of the blame. We need to stop taking ethnic and religious
positions on national issues. Nigerians should also stop circumventing the
system for selfish reasons and celebrating people with doubtful character if we
are to make real progress. The government at different levels is struggling to
deal with the country’s many problems, but unity and healthy values among the
citizenry would help the government achieve its goals.
— Tosin Oke
All hands must be on deck
Nigeria ought to have developed more
than it is. It is not right to put all the blame on our leaders alone. What
have we done as citizens to contribute to the progress of the country? We need
to join hands together and love one another. That is the only way we can make
progress.
— Egbetola Jumoke
Reduce cost of governance
Nigeria, as a nation, has come a long
way inspite of many challenges on its path to nationhood. I believe we can do
better in our efforts to build a strong and prosperous nation if we can
eliminate corruption and live together as one indivisible nation. The current
federal system we practise is too expensive. The trend of governance in the
developed world now is small and efficient government expenditure. This is
done to eliminate wastage in government. It doesn’t make sense for us to
appoint a minister from each state of the federation and as well as electing
three senators from each state. I would like to see a situation whereby Nigeria
catches up with the developed nations. For us to do this, we must
overhaul our education system, right from the primary school
to the univesity. Emphasis should be on qualitative education. Also, we need to
upgrade our social amenities.
— Adeniyi Jolayemi
There is nothing to celebrate
What a way to meet our 53rd birthday.
There is a lot of rimes and bad leadership. Our so-called leaders of tomorrow
have been sitting at home for months, and may still remain at home for more
months, because there is nothing to show that the Federal Government/Academic
Staff of Union of Universities’ impasse will soon be resolved. Over the
years, I think we have tried to make Nigeria a better place, but we still have
a long way to go. That we are not there yet doesn’t mean we won’t get there. It
is all a matter of time, the same school bell that sounds irritating at 8am
also sounds exciting at 2pm.
— Mercy Izehimwense
No positive development
As a Nigerian youth, Nigeria at 53
makes me sad because I do not see much positive things reflecting the age of
the nation. The unemployment rate continues to soar, corruption has eaten deep
into government and we also have terrorism to contend with. I think at a time
like this, Nigerians really need prayers and a sense of direction.
— Aigbovo Victor
We need to get our priorities right
At 53, we are not where we are meant
to be. The development is zero, our leaders are self-centred and do not care
about the masses. If at 53, graduates cannot boast of employment, except those
with connections, and secondary school leavers cannot get admissions,
then there is cause for concern. We need to get our priorities right.
Source:
http://www.punchng.com
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