Nigeria @59, should Nigerians celebrate independence day?
At 59, Nigerians should have unlimited access to the essentials of life. At this age, the average Nigerian can't afford at least a three square meal, quality education for their children, free health care and others. Do you know that, with the abundance of wealth at our disposal, every Nigerian can have luxury, good housing, free meals, education, top notch health care services and excellent infrastructural facilities?
At 59, children die of starvation and the crime/rape rate has skyrocketed that it is now a concern to Nigerians. In this day and age, we still struggle with power supply and good road networks. Our leaders still fight over things that will not benefit the common man. Poverty rules the majority while the minority bask in wealth and riches.
At 59, Nigerians are willing to do anything to leave this country just to find a better life. Some are ready take risks of travelling through deserts, waters and dangerous routes just to find their way out. Our old fathers and mothers who have served our country faithfully and retired are neglected/denied their pensions by the government. They are made to sit under the sun and in the rain just to get their benefits/pay. Some die in the process of coming all the way down from their villages to collect their pay. This is heart breaking at 59.
The slow pace of development has affected all other facets of our economy. Before now, Nigeria was the envy of other nations even in sports. Our Naira also had value and life for the common man was not so burdensome. Food items were affordable in the days when our parents were youths. Education was free/ very affordable in times past. What changed between then and now?
Our youths are unemployed after struggling to go through school. Some get trained in skills to be self independent but do they have access to loans/financial support that will help them kick start? Yes, some youths claim to be educated but are actually educated illiterates and can't prove themselves worthy. But a good number strive for excellence, are so creative and hardworking. We all still fall prey to the hands of a bad government that is so insensitive to needs. Someone may say, "everyone must become self dependent not waiting for the government", yes! But is the society/country healthy and conducive for all to grow and live in?
I for an instance have projects that have been completed for years now and have sort investors all to no avail. Some have even discouraged me and said its not possible. Even if its possible, the laws,heavy tax, reforms and other factors totally cripple it. Its really sad!
At 59, all we can rejoice over is the privilege to be a live and that we have managed to stay as one as a country. We probably haven't been divided because plans are still been made underground to separate as soon as the opportunity shows up. Oh! Is this how we serve our father land with love and strength and faith? Shall the labour of our heroes past be in vain? Is this how our nation will be bound in freedom, peace and unity? Should we now wish that the colonial masters take over and rule us once again? Are we truly free at independence?
My cry daily today is "Oh Lord, when shall we have a good leader that genuinely loves the people?" I weep for my people. The suffering increases by the day, insecurity is now the order of the day, death rate has skyrocketed and we gaze at our future with shallow hope.
Oh Lord, heal our land! Send us help! Open our eyes to know what you desire for us as a country! Guide our leaders right and help our youths the truth to know in love and honesty to grow and living just and true. Make our country great again for the glory of Nigeria is beginning to fade away.
When shall we truly rejoice and celebrate independence as a country? We are not happy at independence day!
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