Gains and challenges in Nigeria’s 51years of nationhood
Although the day is heralded with low key celebration by government and citizens, compared to last year’s fiftieth independence anniversary which featured elaborate state events, it is still important to give more than a passing attention to this year’s event in view of the country’s huge potentials to become a global superpower. There is no doubt that Nigeria has not been able to fulfil all the expectations of its people, but suffice it to state that the foundation on which the realization of the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers should rest, has been firmly laid; that foundation is national unity. Nigeria’s founding fathers were fighters. They fought the British in the battle of ideas and they won. They also confronted domestic collaborators. In their struggles, they were mindful of the culture of industry and selfless service. Many of them left the scene without a property they could call their own. Listen to this: at independence in 1960, the nation’s first republic was inaugurated on a shaky tripod of unity mounted by the three major geo-ethnic blocs which controlled the government in the eastern, western and northern regions. No significant steps were taken to cement the bond of unity and create the much needed oneness among all Nigerians. The General Yakubu Gowon administration took a step to create the basis for unity by first introducing the state structure which practically ended the geo-ethnic hold on the component units of the nation. The remarkable successful healing process that followed the country’s thirty-month civil war is still being praised till date as a demonstration of the wonderful nature of Nigerians. With the practical strategy of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation, Nigeria taught the world a whole new lesson in post-conflict-peace-building. The country’s efforts at picking the pieces and absorbing the former Biafrans into a united political family after the war, was indeed a major lesson in human tolerance and political integration, one which Nigerians still have every reason to be proud of. Perhaps an even more fundamental dividend of the war was that it finally established Nigeria as an indivisible nation. In the four decades since the end of that war, the government and people of Nigeria have dedicated time and effort to the laying of a solid foundation for the country’s unity. Among the most significant of these initiatives are the introduction of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme; creation of states and local government areas between 1967 and 1996; creation of the new federal capital territory at the centre of the nation, and establishment of the federal character commission with a view to ensuring equity among the country’s constituent units. Having tied up the basis of its national unity, Nigeria in its fifty one years has become a name to reckon with outside its shores. Since independence in 1960, the country has been a vocal voice in world affairs starting from the West African region. The West African region remains the first line of implementation of the country’s afro-centric foreign policy. Nigeria has excelled in military diplomacy which is the hallmark of peace keeping, peace enforcement and peace building. And under the United Nations it has helped restore peace to various parts of the international community, to the admiration of the world. Nigeria is at present faced with socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, ethno-religious conflicts and dearth of infrastructure, but government is doing all it can to address these problems. Many people have rightly observed that at fifty one, the country is tougher than its challenges. The country’s founding fathers knew this and on that memorable day in 1959, when Sir Tafawa Balewa passed the fourth motion for independence from April second, 1960 to October first, 1960, the fate of the people of the country was sealed. It is interesting to note that President Goodluck Jonathan, through various policies and pronouncements, has been inspiring Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders in Project-Nigeria and entrench an attitude that will enable everyone become active and constructive participants in the polity, as democratic rule in the country continues to deepen. One would only submit that commitment to the growth and progress of Nigeria must be pursued with all the vigour, moral courage and conviction that all leaders and every citizen can muster. Happy Independence Nigeria, a People United, a Future Assured; Nigeria, Good People, Great Nation.
Broadcast on 1st October 2011 |
Back to news home |
|
|
