Fifty Four Years After, Nigeria, How Far? By Madu Chisom Kingdavid
You see, a day like this, history will always look us in the eyes and ask, fifty four years after, what have we achieved? Are we going forward , stalling or backward? A diehard proudly Nigerian to avoid the shame of calling Nigeria a fool at fifty four will tell you that in as much as we've been tagged as A Failed State; there is light even in darkness. This stemmed from the fact that Nigeria has over the years been actively involved in various ways in the struggle against colonialism in Southern Africa; in building and maintaining peace throughout the West African region; and in helping to establish, and continuing to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); the Organization of African Unity (OAU ), now AU; the Non-Aligned Movement, and other organizations concerned with bringing peace to regions and peoples across the world. Without doubt, its membership of the “Frontline States” during the struggle against Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and apartheid South Africa; its long-term chairmanship of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid; and its leadership of peacekeeping missions in Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cotê d’Ivoire are all reflections of its commitment and role to peace building, peace keeping, and conflict resolution. Perhaps, these are the reasons why she is seen as the Giant of Africa.
Honestly, the so called giant confuses me mgbe ufodi. Which of her sector can she boast of? All seems to plunge into deep nightmares; except recently in the health sector where she has made a slim impact. Yes, she has adopted and implemented active policies in health planning and training as well as in medical research. She has spent huge amount of money in the health sector for eradication of diseases such as smallpox, malaria, tuberculosis, and recently Ebola disease.
What of the education sector? Some of the government owned primary and secondary schools resemble advanced poultry house. Some structures in our various higher institutions are in ramshackle state. 90 percent are glorified secondary school at best. Strike has refused to leave us alone even at 54.
The power sector is a bloody joke; unstable power supply has been with us. Yet so many reforms have been made over the years by Obasanjo and Goodluck administrations. The question is: Why are we living in darkness? The steel industry has grown into moribund. In fact, all the sector of the economy has been crippled by corruption. Unfortunately, the perpetrators are going scot-free.
Our infrastructure nko? Some of our roads are death traps; absence of functioning railways transportation. It will shock you that some remote villages still do not have electricity in this 21st century. It will also shock you that some remote villages fetch their drinking water from the stream. Some of the Free Medical centres will be mistaken as 18th century hospital in Timbuktu. The funny thing is, huge of money siphoned by our Leaders will be enough to provide the basic necessities to put all these things aforementioned right.
Perhaps, we should celebrate those massacred by Boko Haram; those that were kidnapped as well as the abducted Chibok girls. Yes, there is need to celebrate fifty four years of tribalism, nepotism and aged long ethnic hatred which have eaten deep in our veins. Sometimes, you sit down and ask yourself, is it not a country blessed with human and natural resources which if positively harnessed, we will be out from these nightmares, and celebrate the funeral of our failures in a mass grave.
Finally, there is still hope. The future lies in our hands again. 2015 election will soon parachute in, it is now left for us to sow the right seed; if not, it is another four years of broken dreams. In case there is no eligible farm to sow our seeds; it is also another four years of broken dreams. God bless Nigeria.
During the independent day, here are the bitter-sweet reactions of students from the department of history and international studies at Imo State University, Owerri.
"Ageing is inevitable but maturity is optional. Even at 54, Nigeria is still in the dark horizons of development. However, the prospect of advancement is still there waiting to receive an open invitation". --- Uzoma Prosper
"Positive attitude pays alot, if only Nigerians will change from negative attitude to a positive one; I believe that Nigeria will be a better home for us. Optimism is what we need". -- Ekwonye Akuoma R ( The Queen Of Endless Wealth )
"Nigeria at 54, still playing politics with the livelihood and and rights if her citizens". --- Ibenero Rejoice Chinenye.
"Nigeria at 54, still like a baby in the cuddling arms of her mother. Still dreaming to get to the zenith. But one thing is certain, together we can make it". -- Nwandikom Onyinyechi
"Nigeria at 54 should not be seen as a total failure. We are still growing politically, economically, technically and socio-culturally. The problem of Nigeria is corruption since we gained our political freedom. Let us make Nigeria a better place, yes we can make it. I am a proudly Nigeria". --- Kenkwo Fideregis Chinwendu ( A.K.A WendyKen )
"Nigeria so far has developed into a home of half-baked graduates and unemployed graduates. A place where mediocrity sidelines meritocracy. At 54, she is patently a weak giant of Africa". Ayozie Joy Chiemela ( A.K.A SAVE )
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