NIGERIA @55

Through a progressive sequence of regimes, the British imposed autocratic rule on the area of West Africa which came to be known as Nigeria. Administration and military control of the territory was done primarily by white Britishers, both in London and in Nigeria.

Following military conquest, the British imposed an economic system designed to profit from African labour. The essential basis of this system was money—specifically, British money—which could be demanded through taxation, paid to cooperative natives, and levied as a fine.

The amalgamation of different ethnic and religious groups into one federation created internal tension which persists in Nigeria to the present day

Nigerian independence is a long tale of frustration because on October 1, 1960, the British left the shores of Nigeria and eventually handed over the reins to Nigerians to govern themselves. But quite disappointingly, between 1960 and now, it has been a tale frustration and disappointment, because we have not been able to establish good governance in Nigeria. It has been a tale of various crises, including a civil war that we had to endure. We have not shown enough capacity to deliver the type of government that the colonial masters ran in Nigeria. We have not been able to replicate those types of government.

The future is bright, the state of the country is what you and I make of it. Obviously, it has had its ups and downs. It has had its many challenges. The future is still so bright, but the politics of now is so wrong and threatening that future. My expectation and hope, is that politicians can stop thinking about themselves and think of their grandchildren for a change.

No democracy, no development, Progress is not comparable with the opportunities in the country. The achievements are far behind the possibilities. Up till now, even after 55 years, we can’t have circulated stable power and Internet connection, whereas, all the state capitals are enjoying the available benefits in the country. Our education is incomparable with any other better country in the world. Our graduates are perambulating recklessly because they are jobless. Many of our secondary school students that supposed to be stay in school are now the angels of football betting. These problems are rooted in the issue of democracy and development. Without free, fair and transparent elections, there is no way we can achieve democracy and development.

No progress when you look at how old Nigeria was as an independent nation, and compare it to other African nations, even South Africa, you will see clearly that Nigeria has issues. The issues that Nigeria has, I think, are critical. The issues border on development as a country. Nigeria is a huge country that was brought together 100 years ago, not for the purpose of developing Nigeria, but for the purpose of making economic sense to the country that brought Nigeria together. Almost 60 years after independence and having stayed together as a country that was put together, I do not think Nigeria has made any progress.

In conclusion, Nigeria @55 is yet another opportunity for this country, another chance for Nigerians to react positively. We must take responsibility for the wrongs we have done to one another.
There is no more time for us to continue living in tribalism, nepotism, violence and corruption.
The time for change is now, the time to change the face of this country and for this change to come, we must unite and work together. Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and all other ethnic groups in this country and even foreigners in this beautiful land must work together with us. We must no longer be referred to as a country of 'criminals'. We must no longer be an epitome of corrupt practices. We must no longer be divided. A united Nigeria is the pride of Africa; a united Nigeria is the pride of the world and yes!
As we celebrate our 54years as an independent nation, i wish Nigeria independence from violence, independence from tribalism, independence from crime, independence from corruption, independence from terrorism and independence from division.
GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA @55