My Krossroads

Nigeria recently celebrated its independence from colonial rule. For many it was simply another day of sober reflection with little funfair. The question on everyone’s lips was if Nigerians truly had anything to celebrate?  To many it was a disappointing reminder of the sorry state of affairs, top reason being the failure of the leaders to effectively manage its people and available resources. Not left out, is the continued rise in the level of insecurity, a dying educational system. As at today, the Nigerian universities are closed indefinitely, that Is, until the government agrees to the new conditions of work presented by the lecturers. My fingers are crossed on how long this current situation will persist, maybe next year, time will tell.  The continued rise in poverty, resulting in many unable to  afford three square meals a day. A failing electoral process, Hospitals without drugs, kidnapping and assainations are the order of the day while armed robbers continue to torment innocent Nigerians. Hundreds live under the bridge. Corruption is rife, stifling every facet of the economy. A level so high that it is no longer news to the international community.

Besides, being the most populous country in Africa, with abundant resources, it is the 20^th hungriest nation in the world. This is difficult to comprehend in the midst of so much opulent wealth.

The myriad of problems are symptoms of a failing state, but the Nigerian President in his message to the people urged Nigerians not to lose faith.  According to him the future was bright and marking another milestone was an opportunity for Nigerians to come out in their best to celebrate, reflect and rededicate:  He went further to admit that the promise of Independence is yet to be fully realized. The day should be forceful reminder of a promise yet unfufilled. 

The Good point was his admission of the work yet to be done, but again the question is how long will promises be made? How long will Nigerians suffer? Because its leaders are insensitive to the needs of the people.

Nigeria, after many years of military rule embraced democracy and has been enjoying civilian rule for more than ten years, enjoying I would say, even though Nigerians are afforded little opportunity to participate and influence their government. Government leaders emerge through flawed elections and belong to the political party in control of the country. So, where is the country headed? Time will surely tell because at 49, Nigeria is still crawling, with unutilized potential and mismanaged resources. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world but it relies on importation of refined crude. Again, how long will the leaders remain clueless to the situation on ground?  That the nation has lost its bearing and performed woefully is an opinion that resonates across the country. After forty nine years, it still has to grapple with lack of  electricity, water, good roads, the list is endless.

Maybe to survive, Nigerians must collectively work at making the country relevant and creating a platform of redefining and generally re-orienting the people.