Nigeria celebrates the 62nd anniversary of its national independence today.
The anniversary this year is five months before the general election in 2023, which many Nigerians hope would change the course of the nation’s history.
The Nigerian government has planned events to commemorate the day, as is custom.
According to PulseNets, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said last week that there would be a Presidential Broadcast and a Military Parade at Eagle Square in the Central Business District of Abuja to honour the 2022 Independence Day.
The Minister also disclosed that the nation’s capital would host the Award of National Honors on October 11 as part of the Independence Anniversary.
Mohammed asserted that commemorating Nigeria’s centennial of independence in 2022 serves as a reminder that, despite the difficulties the nation has faced, Nigerians remain united. He also stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was dedicated to fostering national cohesion, security, and stability.
However, several Nigerians have voiced conflicted emotions regarding the commemoration of the nation’s independence anniversary this year, noting that the nation is currently recognised as one of the worst places to be born due to a number of insurmountable problems that defy resolution.
Many people also ponder why those in positions of authority are more worried with resource waste than they are with the terrible effects on the helpless poor citizens.
The majority of the respondents who communicated with PulseNets expressed regret and grief over the state of the nation.
The atmosphere was dejected at the Orange Market in Mararaba, Karu Area Council, Nasarawa State.
According to the market ladies PulseNets spoke with, insecurity and corruption are the norm in Nigeria, which they claimed is still hobbling along at the age of 62.
A woman said, “Our dear country is blessed with abundant resources but those in the leadership position do not know how to use it for the good of the people. No country can grow where leaders cannot see beyond their noses. There is no visible sign of development and Nigeria is in total darkness. Most of our leaders are political looters”.
Ahmed, a cab driver from the FCT, spoke to the PulseNets despite initially being hesitant to do so.
“I can tell you sincerely that there is nothing worth celebrating in the so-called independence celebration of Nigeria. The only thing that is worth celebrating in this country is nothing but sorrow, tears, blood, corruption and undemocratic values,” he said.
Peter Ugwuoke, a lawyer in Port Harcourt, believes that a culture that doesn’t respect education only portends doom for the future, making the task of instilling patriotism and nation-building more difficult.
“What exactly are we celebrating, the fact that there are numerous students roaming the streets due to the ASUU strike, or the high unemployment rate; a dire situation with many societal implications- as prostitution seems to be the ‘easy’ route for many of the affected females”, he angrily retorted.
He recommended that, among many other beneficial practises, the nation has to recreate the culture of order, honesty, perseverance in hard labour, and being your brother’s keeper.
Senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Victor Bassey also gave a speech during which he claimed that only those who took part in or are still taking part in the robbery of the national treasury are rejoicing.
“I am not celebrating Nigeria at 62, because there is nothing to celebrate in the true sense- except if you are part of those involved in the ‘oil theft’ racket or those sharing the commonwealth of the citizenry, then maybe you may have some reason to celebrate.
“Those cornering the wealth of the majority should remember though, your celebration is in vain, as you are surrounded by those you have looted from will strike back in full measure,” he said.
He continued, “The lack of decent leadership has been one of the greatest problems, but there is hope,” urging patriots to keep pushing the cause until the good people among the people emerge and take control of matters.
Despite the generally unfavourable attitude in the nation, many people believe the nation is blessed with an abundance of resources and are expecting that those in positions of leadership will be able to utilise those resources to bring about the desired growth.
