NIGERIA AT DIAMOND INDEPENDENCE : THE GAINS , PROSPECTS, PROBLEMS AND THE WAY FORWARD

 Firstly, Happy Independence to you all, Nigerians. Nigeria is sixty years as at today that we had our freedom from British colonisation , Indirect Rule on us in our land or territory and servitude . Special thanks to all our leaders whose  contributions brought about this.The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

 It is important to be just, fair, honest and religious in this article or presentation. After sixty years of independence, a critical appraisal and assessment of the state of our nation revealed many issues and problems. Many Nigerians are still in abject poverty, high level of unemployment, corruption at its peak, armed robbery and kidnapping quite nerve breaking, Value of education reducing, societal values being gradually eroded, high disease burden, Inflation rate so disturbing, labour force appalling,hunger on the increase, ecological system in a bad state, Religion not serving its purpose any more, other forms of criminalities, etc..

WHERE DO WE  GET  IT WRONG? 

Nevertheless, we have gains so far we can look back at: Many Universities and tertiary institutions  were established, Health institutions such as National Hospital and other Health facilities established, democratic system in place, Industries set up, one indivisible, united and egalitarian nation( Nigeria), revival of our railway transport system, increased  commercial system, fair security network system amongst others,  In the midst of all these, are there prospects in this country ? of course, yes, our prospects therefore are: 

(1) A strong , united and egalitarian nation.

(2) highly commercialised and prosperous nation, 

(3) A highly strengthened security network, 

(4) All round good road network,

(5) Standardised educational system,

(6) A virile economy, 

(7) An excellent health sector with adequate hospitals, adequate medical personnel, equipment and drugs, 

(8) A well organized Environmental Health with well articulated waste management system, 

(9) A nation full of virtues of honestly, truth, morality, corruption free public sector ,love for one another and social consideration, 

(10) Greater proportion of Nigerians gainfully employed.

According to a great Northern politician, MAITAMA SULE, ''my dream for Nigeria before it returned to the culture of extravagance (wastefulness) is a return to decency in our polity, a return to consideration in our social interaction and a return to godliness in our relationship" . 

It is quite encouraging for every Nigerian to imbibe these, if the above stated prospectsshould be attained.But... .

OUR PROBLEMS: 

(1) Corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and sectionalism,

(2)Lack of focused leadership with clearly defined goals and objectives 

(3) Defective and faulty Constitution favouring the rich majorly,

(4) Massive stealing and enmassing of wealth by those in positions of authority which they may never need or use, 

(5) In practice, lack of independence of judiciary arm of government

(6) Selfishness and egocentrism,

(7)High cost of governance making only the people in positions of authority to enjoy to the detriment of the poor majority,

(8)Lack of provision of basic infrastructure,

(9) Lack of meritocracy in our appointments, elections and bureaucratic systems,

(10) Devilish and inordinate ambitions 

(11) Uncordinated project execution in the public sector and highly inflated contracts and projects etc

(12)Lack of continuity in projects execution by successive government. 

THE WAY FORWARD: 

(1) Review of  the Nigerian Constitution and standardizing it to meet the dynamics of our present democratic system 

(2) Reduction of cost of governance 

(3) Ensuring the independence of Judiciary both in practice and principle 

(4) Religious Bodies should practice  both in sincerity and truth 

(5) Enthronement of Rule of Law and practice same without fear or favor 

(6)Return to decency in our polity 

(7) Imbibe the culture of morality especially the youths,

(8) Discharging our public office responsibilities devoid of corruption, greed, nepotism, tribalism and favouritism.

(9) Putting right leaders in right positions, meaning , meritocracy should be enthroned 

(11)Even distribution of resources to all nook's and crannies of our nation to avoid marginalisation syndrome

 (12) Sensitisation and campaign for good governance by the youths, philanthropic organizations, religious bodies, 

(13)A call for delegates conference and sincere implementation of recommendations from same amongst others. 

Conclusively,  a careful perusal and vigorous implementation of all the  recommendations will return Nigeria to her pride of place in comity of Nations and there shall be joy and prosperity for all. 

Comrade( Dr) Nuhu Solomon Anyegwu, PROVOST, College of Health Sciences and Technology Idah, Kogi State, and an Ambassador of Peace, Award Winner at 60 leaders par Excellence   Award at Nigeria @60.