Independence Day is a crucial moment in the history of any nation and should never be overlooked. It represents freedom from colonial rule and the opportunity to shape the nation’s future. Nigerians have a civic duty to celebrate this day, regardless of the current circumstances. Any challenges we face should be viewed as part of the necessary journey toward achieving full independence and reaping the rewards of our efforts.
Effective leadership relies on strong support from the people. The progress of any nation after independence is a joint responsibility shared by both its leaders and citizens. Countries like India, China, and Japan, which have advanced from underdeveloped to developed status, did so through a unified sense of patriotism. This is a quality that is lacking in many African nations, including Nigeria.
Patriotism is essential to the success of any nation. Nigerians should use Independence Day as an opportunity to reflect on their attitudes and embrace patriotism to move the country forward. This day should be a time for thoughtful reflection on where the country was before independence and where it stands today. We need to consider how selfless and dedicated people were in the past compared to now. Nation-building is the responsibility of every Nigerian, not just the leaders. Selflessness, rather than selfishness, will help reduce corruption, which has become deeply ingrained and is hindering progress.
Nigerians need to be honest with themselves and stop living in denial. Today should mark the beginning of a New Nigeria, with citizens committed to lifting the country to a self-sustaining level. It’s not just about politics, affiliations, tribe, religion, or gender—it’s about the nation and how we can use our potential to improve our communities and country.
Nigeria can achieve greatness if we adopt this mindset. For example, a Chinese man in Nigeria is currently cultivating thousands of yam tubers, which Nigerians are buying. Why aren’t Nigerians doing this? He simply leased the land and gave the owner a portion of the harvest. With so much arable land, there’s no reason Nigerians should complain of hunger. Many people have become too reliant on oil wealth, leading to a laid-back attitude. Protesting won’t solve our problems, but innovation and hard work will make a difference.
