…..By current matters
As Nigeria commemorates her 63rd Independence Day, citizens have bared their minds on the long walk to freedom, evolution of the New Republic, Nagging issues of underdevelopment , insecurity and economic woes.
For Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, former member of the House of Representatives who represented Etche,/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Nigeria ‘s founding fathers fought to free the citizens from the clutches of the colonial power and since then, the nation has gone through different phases of life and still evolving into a fully grown nation.
He expressed optimism that despite challenges confronting the country, there are” blessings to count” trusting that “hope renewed” will not translate to hopes lost
“Prior to independence,our founding fathers fought to secure for themselves and generations unborn,a country free from vice – grip of colonial forces.
“In 1960,that dream to be free as people, to be sovereign as a nation and to be independent was realised.
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“In 63 years we have learnt like a baby does to sit,learn to crawl, stand up and walk. It has been stormy,it has been bumpy but we have stood as a country.
“Similarly,we have heard wonderful opportunities, some converted and some lost. Still, as we mark 63 years of nationhood,there are blessings to count, and pain to feel. In all our economy which remains a mono commodity economy is perhaps the greatest challenge outside instability and insecurity that this nation faces.
“Because we have failed to engage in diversification like other countries which became independent at the same time as Nigeria we have failed to transform into a productive and manufacturing economy. So, for several years,we have created jobs in foreign lands through importation while millions of Nigerians at home of working age,who are capable of contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy, have been left stranded and unemployed.
“The consequence as we can see has led to growing unrest, mindbogglingly insecurity in parts of the country and growing instability.
“So, as we mark 63 years of nationhood, l would like to see the country that is united and determined to overcome conflicts, crises and challenges that confront our bid to transform into an economic power house in Africa and beyond.
“We are a country with great potentials human and natural resources and we are endowed with a population of resilient people that never say die.
“Accordingly,as we mark this day, we urge our leaders at the national and state levels to show leadership and embrace selflessness in the way they manage the affairs of Nigerians. We continue as a people to bear the pains of bad governance, we continue to nurse great hopes as a result of the promises of our leaders and we pray that hopes renewed will not be hopes lost.
For Gabriel Akinadewo, Editor in Chief of Freedom online Media and Assistant Secretary, Nigeria Guild of Editors NGE, it is a matter of urgency to tackle insecurity to safeguard lives and investments
He said while the country boasts of” enormous economic potential” nothing substantial would be achieved if the people and property are not safe.
Akinadewo however said that Nigeria could be an investment destination if the leaders do things right before 2027.
Nigeria@63: Insecurity must be tackled
Obviously, the challenges Nigerians are facing today are unprecedented but there is a reason to hope for the best.
The government must, as a matter of urgency, tackle insecurity problem in the country through its vast intelligence network.
Nothing substantial will be achieved if Nigerians are not safe. Nigeria remains a nation with enormous economic potential but full benefits of this can only be realised if Nigerians and investments are well protected.
Once the government shows the determination, before 2027, the country will be a destination of choice for investors.
Gabriel Akinadewo
MD/EIC, Freedom Online
www.freedomonline.com.ng
Assistant General Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
For Achonwa Uchendu PHD, 63 Independence Anniversary wake up call for leaders to lead right
His remarks captioned ” Blessed Nation Guided By HYENAS reads
The Nigeria state has lost more than it has gained since independence with little growth and more failure in all facets of it’s life. A nation that is endowed with unique human and mineral resources like Nigeria shouldn’t be among nations struggling to survive. Its citizens live below one dollar per day.
Studies have revealed that there’s no nation in this part of the world that is as blessed as Nigeria in human & mineral resources, Nigeria is a nation with almost 70% of youth population,a manpower source but having the youths die of hunger, starvation, poverty & stagnation. The worst case scenario is the high level of brain drain in all sectors of the economy.
A nation that snuffs life out of SME’S through multiple taxations & discourages entrepreneurship, hard-work among the youths but encourages fraud, mismanagement of public funds, get rich quick mindsets among it’s citizens like yahoo yahoo & drug businesses, terrorism, kidnapping and organ harvesting can never get it right towards positive growth and economy development.
Greediness and selfishness of few individuals who are previlleged to occupy leadership positions have led Nigeria into a drowning nation that can’t compete with other third world countries. As we celebrate as a nation let it be a wake up call for all Nigerians to ask leaders questions and participate in leadership positions because it determines the future of our children, future generations and Nigeria as a sovereign nation. May all Nigerians utilize our diversity in culture, languages, religion and tribe as a foundation to a better Nigeria.
Happy Independence Nigeria .
ACHONWA UCHENDU ONU (Ph.D)
07062502378 bobouchendu@gmail.com
