NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE

NIGERIA@61

1st of October every year marks Nigerian Independence from our former colonial masters which make Nigeria a sovereign state after being ruled over by British colonialists officially from (1900 - 1960). It was an unforgettable day when millions of igerianstroop out with the Nigerian flag to celebrate and jubilate seeing the end of colonialism and our indegionious politicians were given the mandate to administer the Federation after rigorous agitations and movement by our nationalists who fought passionately to attain self-rule and independence eventually. 

Nigeria is a heterogeneous, pluralistic, and multiethnic state which made Nigeria unique with more than 450 ethnic nationalities. Despite the different cultures, religions, customs, languages, social beliefs, and norms we managed to stay together with our glaring diversities and this is one of our greatest achievements after decades with several events that have challenged our unity. 

Nigeria is one of the most blessed states in the globeoccasionedd with abundant natural endowments which positioned Nigeria better in the comity of nations. Not only that, we're also blessed with adequate manpower capable of developing  Nigeria. These resources are capable of bringing sustainable development to Nigeria better than what we are experiencing currently.

Nigeria just like every other country has her hills that require mechanization in other to deliver its mandate to the citizens. 

Paradoxically, some questions requires answer; Is this the envisioned Nigeria by our nationalist? Have we been utilizing our resources and endowment to give us the Nigeria of our dreams? Can we even compete with the countries aboard with little endowment compared to Nigeria? Nay the challenges of Nigeria are so cumbersome and complex because we have failed to implore a holistic approach to proffer an answer to our social phenomenon, hence we pursue individualist and least regional interest against national interest which have eject the spirit of one Nigeria form most citizens even, this has also metamorphosed and Jingerd the swagger of many separatist movements and self-rule agitation. 

Security which has to be the first duty of every government has been compromised with the action of terrorists, bandits,  kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic militias, and criminals everywhere which pose a threat to the safety of life and properties of every citizen regardless of the position or caliber in the state. The actions of our gallant military men, Nigeria police, and other law enforcement agencies cannot be overemphasized and even the giant stride taken by the incumbent administration under President Muhammad Buhari to empower the service men with better-sophisticated weapons and machinery to curb the insecurity in the noodles and crannies of our country is noticeable and commendable but still require more action than talk

The Nigerian economy was known to be enormous and giant before, but currently, the buoyancy of our economy is now a past glory even Naira is now at the bottom of the global currency index. Diversification of our economy from crude oil dependency must move from a mere paper presentation to reality. Agricultural and manufacturing sectors need serious attention, it's through this we can have a balance of trade and this will open Nigeria's market to the international community and change our status of "IMPORTING EVERYTHING WE USE" if we want our economy to get back on track and to compete favorably with developed countries. 

Significantly, both education and health need critical attention as well as consideration because this is the brain and blood of every state, and the sorry situation the two sectors are currently in is enabled.  

ON POWER SHIFT 

The rotation of the presidency is not encoded in the constitution but is a tool for the capsule of strengthening citizens' belief one Nigeria and all-inclusiveness that will eschew any form of perceived domination by some regions in the country. Although it should be clamored for gently with friendly consultation and negotiations 

Glaringly, Nigeria has been ravaged with some internal problems ranging from separatist movements, clamoring for restructuring, intimidations, domination, and masterminding of regional agenda despite the constitution forbids that. However, the pluralistic situation has polarized issues that need to be considered when making decisions that will affect the entire country if we don't want unnecessary agitation that can further divide us as a country. 

I will opine in the interest of National unity and to curb rising agitation for self-government from different parts of the country, the political parties should consider the fact that since the power is with the northern block currently. If the power is shifted to the south it must come with a vivid assessment of candidates who have a good track record, humility, and readiness with intellectual proficiency in public administration to further sustain Nigerian democracy.

©️ IRANLOYE SOFIU TAIYE