Independence Day

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Last year, this column asked whether Nigeria had learned anything from the Wunti factor. The question was not about one man. It was about whether a nation could turn individual competence into institutional habit. A year later, the answer is still unfolding, but the evidence has grown heavier. A Nigerian story is so familiar it no longer provokes thought. A man rises, reaches the top of a system, and disappears into the quiet comfort of his achievements. It is a story we tell ourselves to feel better about a country that rarely rewards the right things.

But every so often, someone refuses the script. Bala Maijama’a Wunti spent over three decades in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, rising through the ranks to senior leadership roles, including Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, before retiring in 2025. He could have walked away. He had earned the right to. But his people called. They asked him to consider the governorship of Bauchi State. He listened, responding to a call that came from the roots that raised him. When the ticket did not come his way, he did not vanish into Abuja’s shadows. He returned to the work he had long pursued through the Wunti Alkhair Foundation, the vehicle through which he had been supporting basic needs, healthcare access, educational assistance, and community development across Bauchi long before anyone thought to call him a reformer.

Then in August 2026, the call came again. This time it was not political. The World Energy Council, the global body Nigeria had joined in 1960 but had never fully inhabited, admitted a new Nigerian member committee, formally restoring the country’s participation in the organisation. Wunti was named its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. A position that could have distanced him from the ground. A position that could have turned him into a man of communiqués and conference rooms. He continued building anyway. In September 2026, he broke ground on the Bala Wunti Arena, a 10,000-capacity multipurpose indoor sports hall at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.

The project will be completed within 50 weeks. Construction materials will be sourced locally. In a move that says everything about their understanding of development, ATBU students developed the architectural design through a competitive process. Eleven teams participated. W-Nexus won with a design that earned them N5 million. The first runner-up received N4 million, the second runner-up received N3 million, and the other participating groups were awarded N1 million each. Not a single student walked away empty-handed. He called it “a project for ATBU by ATBU.” The phrase is simple, but it carries a weight that most Nigerian development initiatives never approach.

It says that the people closest to a problem are not just beneficiaries of solutions. They are authors of them. This is the Wunti factor. It is not about one man saving a nation. It is about one man refusing to let distance become indifference. And it is the same instinct that carried him from a construction site in Bauchi to a panel in New York. At the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Wunti sat on a panel titled “Rare Currency: Critical Minerals in a Shifting Global Economy.”

The conversation was about America’s growing dependence on imported minerals and China’s dominant position in global processing. But Wunti’s contribution was not about geopolitics. It was about one of Nigeria’s old economic wounds. “For half a century, Nigeria exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum products,” he said. “That created poverty, not prosperity. We will not repeat that mistake with lithium and rare earth elements.” That sentence deserves to be read twice. It is not a policy recommendation. It is a diagnosis of a national pathology.

Nigeria has 44 critical minerals distributed across the country. Global demand is rising because of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence data centres. The temptation is to dig them up, ship them out, and count the dollars at the port. Wunti is saying that is not development. That is extraction. That is the same old story with a different mineral. What makes his argument stick is the precision with which he identifies why Nigeria keeps failing at this. It is not corruption alone. It is not lack of policy. It is the gap between potential and project.

“The central issue is the difference between mineral potential and an investable project,” he said. “We had geological indications, but not proven reserves supported by JORC-compliant data. We also had good policies, but not clearly defined projects. Investors invest in projects, not potential.” This is not the language of a man who has spent too long in conference halls. This is the language of someone who has actually tried to get things built in Nigeria.

He knows that a geological survey is not a feasibility study. He knows that a policy document is not a contract. He knows that investors do not put money into a country’s potential. They put money into specific projects with specific prices, specific timelines, and specific risks that have been accounted for. His prescription is blunt: “Give me a credible price, and I will give you private capital.” He talks about price floors, about the need for $110 per kilogram for certain minerals to make processing viable, about the difference between a pitch and a transaction.

This vocabulary differs from conventional Nigerian policy discourse. It is the vocabulary of markets. And yet, the same man who can talk JORC compliance and price floors in New York is the same man who initiates a sports arena designed by students. There is no contradiction here. Most Nigerian public figures never achieve this coherence. Wunti understands that development is not a single grand gesture. It is a series of specific interventions, each one designed to create something that outlasts the person who started it.

A sports hall that students helped design and will therefore use with a sense of ownership. An energy council that builds a framework for investment rather than waiting for the next policy document. At 66, Nigeria is not short of talented people. What it lacks is the capacity to turn individual talent into institutional habit. Every reformer eventually leaves. Every philanthropist eventually stops writing cheques. The question is whether the structures they build can survive them. Wunti’s work has answered that question.

The deep offshore reforms also outlived his tenure, with the 2019 amendment to the Production Sharing Contracts Act introducing price-reflective royalties and periodic reviews intended to improve the government’s share of revenue. The World Energy Council Nigeria chapter, if it works, will be a platform that belongs to the country, not to one man. The Bala Wunti Arena, if the 50-week deadline holds, will be a building that students use for decades after the ribbon is cut.

At 66, Nigeria has endured. It has stumbled and survived. But endurance is not the same as learning. The country has spent six and a half decades producing people who know how to build, yet too often struggles to turn their individual capacity into institutions that outlast them. Wunti is not the first Nigerian to refuse the script. He is simply one of the few who have kept building after the cameras left, after the political door closed, after the comfortable retirement beckoned. The question that remains is not what Wunti will do next. It is whether Nigeria will finally learn to turn the Wunti factor into a national habit. The answer is not yet written. It depends on whether the rest of us are paying attention.

Usman Abdullahi Koli can be reached via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary and urged citizens to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The minister stressed that peace and stability remained essential to the country’s development, urging Nigerians to uphold the values of love for the nation demonstrated by the country’s founding fathers.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

He assured citizens that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an enabling environment where Nigerians could live, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations with confidence.

According to him, the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to focus on building a better Nigeria for all citizens.

Tunji-Ojo further called on Nigerians to use the independence celebration to reaffirm their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective progress of the country.

By Muhammad Sagir Bauchi

It has been three years since I last put pen to paper for public reading. That last article, published in July 2023, examined the new economic policies of the present administration: subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and student loans, through the lens of Keynes’ warning that “in the long run, we are all dead.” I argued then that these reforms, though painful, could pay off over time, while cautioning that fairness in how the pain and the palliatives were distributed would determine whether Nigerians trusted the process. Three years on, I return to ask the question those reforms were always going to face: has the long run arrived, and for whom?

Six years ago, I wrote an article titled, “Nigeria At 60: A Moment Of Joy Or A Moment Of Sober Reflection?” In it, I reflected on our journey since independence, the challenges we had faced, and the questions surrounding our progress as a country. Six years later, Nigeria is 66, and the question remains almost the same: is this a moment of joy, a moment of sober reflection, or perhaps both?

Since independence, Nigeria has gone through different political administrations, military interventions, democratic transitions, economic reforms, and countless attempts to solve the problems confronting it. We have built universities, colleges, hospitals and roads. Millions of Nigerians have acquired education and gone on to make meaningful contributions to the country and the world. There is certainly a lot to celebrate. But while celebrating our achievements, we must also have the courage to ask where we have failed, where we are today, and where we are heading.

A country can record economic growth while millions of its citizens continue to struggle with the cost of living. Economic reforms may be necessary, but that does not mean we should ignore the short-term hardship they create. Government may point to improving figures, but ordinary Nigerians are equally justified in asking when those improvements will begin to show up in their daily lives. Why celebrate GDP growth or falling inflation on paper while paying little attention to the struggles of the ordinary man whose reality reflects neither? Economic growth should not only be measured by what the figures say; it should be reflected in what people can afford, the jobs they can find, the businesses they can sustain and the quality of life they can provide for their families.

It is no longer news that petrol sells for about ₦1,400 per litre in parts of Lagos and around ₦1,500 in parts of the North. This is no longer a figure in newspapers or a talking point on social media; it is a living reality Nigerians are struggling to adapt to. Today, even people fortunate enough to own a car are becoming careful about where and when they drive. Some now choose the inconvenience of public transport not because they lack a vehicle, but because fuelling it has become too costly. A car that was once a convenience has, for some families, become an expense they must calculate before every journey.

Since the removal of the petrol subsidy, several policies have been introduced to cushion the effects of the reform. Yet from the perspective of the ordinary citizen, it is difficult to point to a corresponding drop in hardship. Nigerians are not asking for suffering to be eradicated overnight; they are asking for a meaningful reduction in the burden they carry daily. The real question is not whether the reforms were necessary, but whether the people bearing their immediate cost are beginning to see the promised benefits. A reform can be economically necessary and still be socially painful, and when that pain continues without improvement in people’s standard of living, government must expect citizens to ask hard questions.

Since independence, Nigeria has also built numerous institutions of learning, and millions of Nigerians have benefited from them. To follow the path of developed nations, the concept of education loans was introduced. In an ideal society, this can be a smart move, shifting the burden of financing higher education from parents to government, with students eventually repaying the cost. But what pushed us here in the first place? The same government policies that have left many parents living hand to mouth, with little or nothing to save for their children’s education. What they earn is often barely enough to cover food, shelter and other basics- things people now struggle to afford rather than plan for.

Can we truly celebrate a policy that pushes parents deeper into poverty while leaving them unable to afford their children’s education? More importantly, how many graduates can be certain there will be jobs waiting for them, jobs that let them repay what they borrowed? What happens when a graduate leaves school with a degree and a loan but no employment opportunities? What happens when companies close because policies make it hard to do business, or when entrepreneurs are forced to shut their doors because of low sales and rising costs?

Education loans may provide access to education, but access alone is not enough. There must also be an economy that gives graduates decent opportunities to work, earn, and repay. Otherwise, are we simply shifting the burden from parents who cannot afford education to graduates who may never find the jobs needed to carry it?

This brings us back to leadership. Six years ago, I argued that one of Nigeria’s major problems was how political leadership was perceived and exercised, a system where public office could become a means of personal advancement rather than service. Six years later, that question remains just as relevant. Leadership is not only about making policy; it is about understanding how policy affects the people who must live with it. The ordinary citizen does not experience an economic reform as a policy document; he experiences it through the price of food, transport, school fees, rent and electricity. Leadership must go beyond celebrating figures and ask whether its policies are producing a society in which ordinary Nigerians can live with dignity.

One issue I raised six years ago was vote buying. It is easy to condemn citizens who accept money during elections, but perhaps we should ask a harder question first. When people who once fought a previous administration on grounds of incompetence are now in government, defending the very policies that have subjected Nigerians to severe hardship, can we genuinely expect citizens to reject ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 when many are struggling to put food on the table? This is not an argument for vote buying; it is a question about the conditions that make it possible. A citizen who cannot afford food, medicine or transport is more vulnerable to financial incentives at the polls. That does not make vote buying right, but it should push us to examine the poverty that allows it to thrive. If we want citizens to make truly independent choices, we must build a society where poverty does not make those choices easier to manipulate.

Corruption remains one of Nigeria’s oldest struggles. We have created institutions, passed laws and established agencies to fight it, yet the perception that public resources are sometimes diverted for personal or political gain continues to shape public trust. What makes this worse is our own double standard: when a politician from the opposing party is accused, we demand accountability; when someone from our own camp faces the same allegation, the conversation quietly changes. We cannot build a strong country by applying different standards to the same behaviour based on political affiliation. Accountability cannot be selective.

Insecurity, too, was already a major concern six years ago, and it remains one today; its nature and location may shift, but the consequences are just as painful. Families are displaced, businesses suffer, farmers cannot operate freely in some areas, and young people grow up with insecurity as part of everyday conversation. A country cannot achieve sustainable development when its citizens constantly worry about their safety; security is directly tied to agriculture, education, business, investment, and general well-being.

Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in Africa, an enormous potential advantage that becomes a burden when the economy cannot provide enough opportunity. Every year, thousands of graduates leave school hoping to find work, and many spend years searching, turning to entrepreneurship, migration or whatever else they can find. The rising desire among young Nigerians to leave the country, popularly called “Japa”, should make us ask why so many feel their future lies elsewhere. It is not enough to tell them to stay and build the country; we must create conditions that make staying a realistic, attractive choice.

Education remains one of the most important investments any country can make, yet Nigeria continues to face disruptions, prolonged strikes, and other setbacks that affect students and institutions. We cannot claim to be developing while young people spend years moving in and out of classrooms over problems that better planning, funding and dialogue could resolve.

So, are we better off than we were at independence? In some areas, certainly. We have more institutions, more educated Nigerians, greater access to technology, a larger private sector, and Nigerians making remarkable contributions around the world. But progress should not blind us to what remains broken. Nigeria is not a complete failure, just as it is not a complete success story; our story is more complicated than either label. We have achievements worth celebrating and failures that demand honest reflection. We celebrate Nigerians’ resilience, but we should also ask why they need to be so resilient just to survive.

Patriotism doesn’t mean defending every government policy, and criticism doesn’t mean hating one’s country. Sometimes, asking difficult questions is itself an act of patriotism.

As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, we should celebrate what we have achieved, remember how far we have come, and, most importantly, have the courage to confront what still holds us back. The Nigeria we want will not be built by government alone. It requires responsible leadership, accountable institutions, an active citizenry, and a society that values merit, justice and equal opportunity.

At 66, Nigeria has every reason to celebrate. But it also has every reason to reflect.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

As Nigeria clocks 65 years of independence, one would expect a moment of pride and reflection on remarkable achievements. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. 

The country continues to struggle with corruption, poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and a range of other social issues. These issues cut deep into the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians, making access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth a constant struggle.

For many citizens, there is little reason to roll out the drums. Independence anniversaries are usually a time for celebration, but how can we truly celebrate when millions remain jobless, when insecurity still holds communities hostage, when hospitals lack basic equipment, and when roads remain death traps? The weight of these problems overshadows whatever progress has been made.

This does not mean Nigeria has no potential or that the sacrifices of our founding fathers should be ignored. Leaders like Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who gave Nigeria a voice of dignity on the global stage, or the Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, who worked to strengthen education and unity in the North, envisioned a better future for this country. 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy in the West and Chief MKO Abiola’s ultimate sacrifice for democracy remain powerful reminders of what true leadership and patriotism demand. These men stood for a Nigeria that could rise above selfishness and mediocrity.

But after 65 years, Nigerians deserve more than repeated promises and underdevelopment. We deserve a country where leadership prioritises people, where accountability is more than just a slogan, and where citizens can genuinely take pride in the flag they carry.

So, if there is something worth celebrating at 65, perhaps it is the resilience of Nigerians themselves —the spirit that refuses to give up despite everything. Beyond that, the truth is clear: the road ahead requires serious action, not mere rhetoric.

May Nigeria succeed and prosper. Amin.

Muhammad Umar Shehu, who wrote from Gombe, can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

A few weeks ago, Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary, commemorating more than six decades since gaining freedom from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. However, this year’s celebrations were unusually subdued, devoid of the usual fanfare, pomp, thrills and frills. 

The once-familiar scenes of face painting, jubilant crowds, and flags waving in patriotic pride were replaced by an eerie silence that echoed across the nation. Despite this significant milestone, many Nigerians found little reason to celebrate. The mood was sombre, reflecting a collective sentiment that these are not times for revelry.

Instead, citizens believe it is a time for reflection and a renewed commitment to steering the country back toward prosperity, as envisioned by the men and women who fought for the independence we now enjoy. In the eyes of most Nigerians, the celebration only serves as a distraction from the harsh realities of daily life.

The more one reflects on the state of the nation, the more troubling it becomes. What exactly are we celebrating? Is there anything genuinely worth commemorating at this point? After the fireworks, what awaits us—more suffering? The unspoken truth is that the situation has grown so dire that it is almost impossible to ignore the country’s challenges, no matter how much we might want to.

One of the major concerns plaguing citizens is the aftermath of the subsidy removal, which continues to wreak havoc on lives and livelihoods. While the minimum wage has been signed into law, its implementation remains uncertain, casting doubt on the government’s ability to deliver on promises and its tendency to prioritise talk over tangible action. 

These discrepancies raise questions about the effectiveness of policies aimed at alleviating the struggles of Nigerians. Our leaders have made numerous promises, but despite their assurances, little has been done to address the suffering of the people. Take the much-touted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, for example. Despite promises, these buses have failed to materialise in significant numbers. Even the few introduced fall short of addressing Nigeria’s transportation challenges. 

How much progress can we realistically expect from such initiatives? Unemployment remains a persistent issue, exacerbating the nation’s woes. Although the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported an unemployment rate of 5.3%, many believe the actual figure is much higher, especially given Nigeria’s struggle with accurate population data.

Insecurity is another critical concern. Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom plague every region, with countless lives lost, even after ransoms have been paid. Nigerians are grappling with hunger as the crisis reaches alarming proportions. Starvation, suffering, and even death from hunger have become stark realities.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 80 to 82 million Nigerians are at risk of severe hunger if the current trajectory continues. Given our vast agricultural potential, how did we reach this point? Politics in Nigeria remains largely a curse, with politicians exploiting religion, region, and ethnicity to garner support. 

Instead of uniting to solve the nation’s problems, they engage in ridicule, even on pressing national issues, as seen in the aftermath of the President’s October 1 address. Poverty also remains a major concern. The NBS reports that 63% of the population—approximately 133 million people, or six out of every ten Nigerians—are trapped in multidimensional poverty. 

It is little wonder that Nigerians are not in a celebratory mood. So much has gone wrong recently that even wishing someone a “Happy Independence” feels offensive. What, after all, have we indeed achieved in these 64 years? Nigeria has the potential for greatness, and the government can and should do better. President Tinubu, please, we are begging—Nigeria deserves better.

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” celebrates its independence day on October 1st each year. This significant day marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1960. Over the past six decades, Nigeria has experienced a tumultuous journey characterized by both achievements and challenges. 

Nigeria’s quest for independence was a long and arduous journey spanned several decades. The seed of nationalism was planted in the hearts of Nigerians during World War II, as they contributed significantly to the British war effort but received little in return. This sparked a desire for self-determination and freedom.

Key figures in Nigeria’s independence struggle included Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Ahmadu Bello, who advocated for self-governance and pushed for constitutional reforms. In 1960, their efforts bore fruit when Nigeria finally gained independence from British colonial rule, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as its first Prime Minister.

While independence brought newfound freedom, it also presented significant challenges for Nigeria. One of the most pressing issues was the need to unite a diverse nation of various ethnic groups, languages, and religions. The delicate balance of power among these groups has often led to ethnic tensions and conflicts.

Additionally, Nigeria has grappled with political instability, military coups, and periods of military rule. The Biafran War (1967-1970) and subsequent coups disrupted the nation’s stability and led to a loss of lives and resources.

Economic fluctuations have marked Nigeria’s journey since independence. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil, the country has faced challenges in managing its economy effectively. Over-reliance on oil exports has left Nigeria vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, resulting in economic instability.

Corruption has also been a persistent issue, hindering economic growth and development. The mismanagement of public funds and the lack of transparency have impeded progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Despite the challenges above, Nigeria has achieved noteworthy progress in several domains. The nation exhibits a lively cultural landscape abundant in traditional practices, artistic expression, and literary works.

In recent years, there have been efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependency. Investments in agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship have begun to yield positive results, with a growing number of startups and innovations emerging.

Nigeria has also played a prominent role in regional and international diplomacy, contributing to peacekeeping missions and serving as a key player in the African Union and the United Nations.

Both progress and challenges have marked Nigeria’s journey from colonial rule to independence and beyond. As the country celebrates Independence Day each year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past, acknowledge the struggles, and look forward to a brighter future. Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and resilient people continue to be sources of hope as the nation strives for unity, stability, and sustainable development in the years to come. 

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com. 

By Muhammad Umar Shehu & Usman Muhammad Salihu

Nigeria, located in West Africa, is often considered a land of immense possibilities. It is home to over 200 million people, making it the most populous country in Africa and the seventh-most populous country in the world. The country is blessed with vast natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, iron ore, limestone, and many others, which have the potential to power a thriving economy.

Despite these abundant resources, Nigeria faces many challenges that have hampered its growth and development. One of the most significant challenges is poverty. The country has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, with over 40% of the population living below the poverty line. This is mainly due to a lack of job opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and an uneven distribution of wealth.

Nigeria is grappling with various socio-economic issues, including poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity. These challenges directly impact the well-being of its citizens, hindering their access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth. Acknowledging the gravity of these challenges and the urgent need for solutions is essential.

Another challenge that Nigeria is facing is corruption. Corruption is a pervasive problem in the country, affecting all sectors of society. It has led to a lack of transparency and accountability, which has hindered the country’s growth and development. Corruption has also contributed to the widening gap between the rich and poor, as the wealthy use their influence to gain unfair advantages over others.

In addition to poverty and corruption, Nigeria is also grappling with insecurity. The country has been plagued by various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, and ethnic conflicts. This has resulted in the loss of many lives and the displacement of millions of people. The insecurity has also had a significant impact on the country’s economy, as businesses and investors are hesitant to invest in an environment that is not stable.

The educational sector in Nigeria is also facing several challenges. A lack of funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers characterise the country’s educational system. This has resulted in poor quality education, which has limited the potential of the country’s human resources.

Education plays a vital role in empowering individuals and communities. By supporting initiatives that promote access to quality education, vocational training, and skill development, we can equip Nigerians with the tools they need to thrive. Empowered individuals can contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

Some potent unions have been fighting for quality education in  Nigeria. However, our successive governments have not accorded priority to the sector, resulting in the country’s education system suffering from many deformities and deliberate neglect.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria has enormous potential to become a prosperous nation. The country has a vibrant and resilient population known for its entrepreneurial spirit. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria can harness its vast resources to create a thriving economy that benefits all its citizens.

The Nigerian government must take bold and decisive actions to address these challenges. It must prioritise the fight against corruption, invest in critical infrastructure, create job opportunities, and promote good governance. The government must also prioritise security and ensure all Nigerians feel safe and secure in their communities.

Nigeria deserves a brighter future, and it is up to us to make it a reality. By standing together, raising awareness, supporting organisations, advocating for change, and promoting education and empowerment, we can inspire positive transformations in Nigeria. Let us remember that every successful person was once in a similar position, and through personal growth and collective action,

What is here to celebrate at 63?

To conclude the assertion, Nigeria is a country of immense possibilities that is currently facing significant challenges. However, with the right policies and investments, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and become a prosperous nation. The government, private sector, and civil society must address these challenges and create a bright future for Nigeria and its people.

The above, if considered, Nigeria’s challenges will not only end but will forever be a thing of the past.

Muhammad Umar Shehu and Usman Muhammad Salihu write from Gombe and can be reached via umarshehu887@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has announced a crucial step to ease the financial strain on workers following the recent removal of the fuel subsidy. 

In his Independence Day speech on Sunday, President Tinubu revealed a temporary wage increase designed to counterbalance the surge in living costs resulting from the policy change. 

The President stated, “For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month,” emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable income groups during this transition. 

As the nation adjusts to these economic shifts, the temporary wage boost is expected to provide immediate relief, enabling workers to manage their finances more effectively amidst the changing economic landscape. 

Ongoing dialogues between the government, labour representatives, and business leaders will continue to shape future policies, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to economic reforms.

By Habibu Maaruf Abdu

Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. That’s 62 years ago. Unfortunately, however, the country has made no significant advances since then. In my opinion, it takes the collective efforts of all Nigerians to change the story. Nigeria’s ethnically diverse people must agree to unite and develop a sense of working together to move the country forward. In other words, Nigeria must first be united to reach its destined greatness.

To achieve a united Nigeria, the government of the federation must endeavour to command a ‘national loyalty.’ That is, to get support from the people of every part of the country. The government could get this if it gives members of all the parts an equal opportunity in the government and its agencies. This will send a sense of belonging and satisfaction to them. The government should also treat all Nigerians equally, regardless of their regions, religions, tribes, and political affiliations.

Another thing that can bring Nigeria together is leadership rotation across the six geo-political zones. This should be regarded considering the reality in the southeast today. There are grumblings, and even mass agitations, from the southeasterners, mainly because they have never produced a president since the second republic. This fact makes them feel as though they are treated as outcasts in the country and therefore agitate. When leadership rotation is implemented correctly, such agitations will unlikely arise again. Also, the federal government should ensure that no region is envious of the other by making fair zoning of capital projects and equal distribution of resources across every part of the country.

For the peaceful coexistence of ethnically and religiously diverse Nigerians, all ethnic and religious groups must reject their prejudices against one another. They must also understand their differences genuinely. This is necessary for them to have a common ground for respecting and tolerating their differences (cultural, ethnic and religious). It will also help them to live in harmony and build a society with strong human potential and economic progress.

‘Discipline’ and ‘patriotism’ are also areas of emphasis. No nation can be great without these values instilled in the psyche of its citizens. This is why many countries, like china, have a whole ministry for national orientation. Nigeria should copy these countries and launch a massive and consistent campaign for the ethos of civic behaviours and responsibilities in Nigeria. This will help to build discipline, respect and love of the country, as well as national pride, in the society. When these values are present in society, the people will uphold discipline and patriotism. They will reject corruption and all other harmful habits that could cripple their dreams and inhibit their country’s development.

On another side, economic diversification should be considered to put Nigeria on the right track. The country’s economy is, at present, heavily reliant on the revenue derived from the export of crude oil. This leads to low economic growth, which, in turn, favours poverty as there is no room for massive job creation. But the diversification of the economy will certainly change the story. Therefore, Nigeria should diversify into areas like agriculture and industrialization. The agricultural sector, which was the mainstay of the country’s economy before the discovery of oil, has a long value chain. And a firm industrialization policy can create thousands of manufacturing jobs for people.

Nigeria should also make policies that will attract more foreign investors, especially those who produce different kinds of products and machines. This, together with reasonable provisions for private enterprises, will go a long way in reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty in the country.

Notwithstanding the above, Nigeria should do better for the education sector. The saying, “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated,” cannot be more correct. Unfortunately, Nigeria spends very little on education (less than 8% of its total GDP). The number of out-of-school children is high, and universities remain closed for over seven months due to an indefinite strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). To save education from this mess, Nigeria should increase its expenditure on the education sector; map out a plan for revamping it, and see the plan through with maximum commitment.

At this juncture, I want my fellow Nigerians to remember that; all the developed countries we currently admire have, at some point, been where Nigeria is today. It’s therefore valid to believe that Nigeria can equally develop. Fortunately, the country is blessed with both material and human resources to facilitate the process. However, it is rightly said that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Progress is made with sustained effort over time. Therefore, we need to unite, do our patriotic duties, uphold discipline and get professional and morally upright leaders to drive the country.

I will conclude by quoting Chinua Achebe in his book The Trouble with Nigeria, published in 1983, where he opined that “Nigeria can change today if she discovers leaders who have the will, the ability and the vision. Such people are rare in any time or place. But it’s the duty of enlightened citizens to lead the way to their discovery and to create an atmosphere conducive to their emergence. If this conscious effort is not made, good leaders, like good money, will be driven out by bad.”

It takes our collective efforts to move Nigeria forward.

Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano, Nigeria, via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com.

By Babatunde Qodri

It can be argued that ever since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, the country hasn’t gotten worse like it’s today. Every year is filled with insurmountable challenges beyond the control of both leaders and citizens. It appears, sincerely, as if the country has been cursed. Every opportunity to believe in Nigeria’s prosperity is dashed by a litany of crises ranging from insecurity, poor education and health systems and economic downturn. The country seems to have been brought to her knees.

The occasion of independence does not move people from different corners of the country. On the contrary, the convention of this remarkable celebration is a history remembered with joy and happiness. Many other African countries celebrate their independence with scores of impressive feats, despite avoidable crises. Unfortunately, the case isn’t the same here in Nigeria, where leaders expected to make people proud resort to disappointing charades to the country’s detriment.

The ongoing industrial action by university lecturers says a lot about how blighted Nigeria has been. Students have been away from classrooms for months. One would expect that a 62-year-old country should have grown past deleterious distractions capable of creating barricades in the way of her education system. It hurts that a sector as eminently necessary as education can be allowed to suffer while the Government continues to fund frivolities. The question is, which country develops or has developed without serious attention to education? 

In other words, education in Nigeria is now in a comatose state. It’s hard to believe that this is Nigeria where Sir Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, and others once lived and governed. Nigeria’s present predicament, evident in her leaders’ shameless willingness and obsession with greed, has ruined those past years of free education packaged to liberate Nigerians for genuine patriotism. What used to be, in terms of quality, transformative education now constitutes a culture of abandonment, taking a heavy toll on the survival and growth of the country.

Insecurity is another problem. Severalerians have been in captivity for years. We are now the headquarters of banditry and kidnapping for ransom. Non-state actors have taken advantage of the country’s vulnerability to unleash horrors daily. And the complete loss of strength by people constitutionally paid and expected to protect lives and property heightens fears. Because of this unwholesome reality, the country has become a no-go area for foreign investors who should have helped her economically. The fact that people are becoming strangers in their homeland explains the mass migration of Nigerians out of the country in search of averagely better and more peaceful climes. Internal unrest, sadly, continues to drag the country backwards.

This reality is worsened by intractable corruption. Despite being an oil-producing country, it’s still disgusting to hear that Nigeria cannot refine her oil, which makes the country hugely indebted. While other OPEC countries leverage the international market amid restrictions posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, Nigeria is wallowing in a financial crisis resulting from endless oil theft. Isn’t it funny that the country has to borrow to service her debt? This is indicative of the depth of mess in which Nigeria is in.

Unarguably, Nigeria needs urgent solutions through the diversification of its economy. We must take advantage of modern agriculture to produce what we consume and vice versa. The country should stop wasting funds meant for critical goods on exotic cars for politicians. Our Government must invest in the education sector, health care system, and others.

Plus, effective legislation is paramount. Nigeria is in dire need of a fresh set of leaders with brand new ideas, leaders who are committed to viable plans and collective change. The issue of climate change must also be given urgent attention. Climate change and poverty have the exact root cause, and their impact contributes to the national underdevelopment the country is witnessing.

As we move into 2023, Nigerians should understand that our country deserves a befitting future. So we must be interested in candidates who will focus on doing the right thing at the right time. We must go for candidates with clear readiness and vision to transform our education system and uphold justice and transparency. We must do away with activities capable of fueling the embers of disunity in the country. 2023 should be about these.

Babatunde Qodri can be reached at babatundelaitan@gmail.com.