A CLARION CALL FOR UNDILUTED SOLIDARITY AS NIGERIA MARKS HER 54TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY
Every man in his real senses
thrives relentlessly towards actualizing a total freedom. In other words;
freedom which is the right to do or say what you want without anyone/anything
stopping you, remains one of the greatest possessions any man could boast of.
Today Wednesday October 1, 2014, Nigeria in her entirety is commemorating her 54th Independence Anniversary. Suffice to say that, she is celebrating the 54th year so far since she got her independence or freedom.
In a period like this, the first question that invariably occurs on the
mind of any concerned right thinking individual is: what is the country in
question really celebrating? In most cases, such question often seems
rhetorical because there is no nation in existence that has nothing to
celebrate at any given time.
Nigeria, which is officially addressed as the ‘Federal Republic of
Nigeria’, is a federal constitutional republic comprising thirty-six (36)
states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West
Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the West, Chad and
Cameroon in the East, and Niger in the North. Its coast in the South lies on
the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
Nigeria is often referred to as the ‘Giant of Africa’ due to its large
population and economy. With approximately 174 million inhabitants, it is the
most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous nation in the
world. It is comprised of over five hundred (500) ethnic groups, of which the
three largest are the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.
In respect to religion, Nigeria is majorly divided into two with
Christians who live mostly in the Southern and Central parts of the country,
and Muslims concentrated mainly in the Northern and Southwestern regions. A
minority of the populace practice some indigenous or peculiar religions such as
paganism.
Since independence in 1960, the country’s oil reserves have played a very
major role in her growing wealth and influence. Presently, Nigeria is
considered by the World Bank as an Emerging Market, and has been identified as
a regional power in Africa. She is also a member of the MINT group of
countries, which are widely seen as one of the world’s upcoming ‘Brick-like’
economies. More so, she is listed among the next eleven economies set to be
among the largest in the world.
Nigeria is a member of various global societies including the
Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, the Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the United Nations (UN) among other
international organizations. It is also interesting to note that she is a
member of the United Nations’ Security Council.
Just like other developing nations, Nigeria is currently faced with
numerous social, economic, religious and political challenges thereby
constituting series of societal crises. Some of these challenges include
tribalism, corruption, nepotism, high level of immorality, thuggery, election
rigging, rampant establishment of fake churches, kidnapping, massacre, just to
mention a few.
The ongoing terrorist activity of the Boko Haram Sect coupled with other
criminal activities taking place in the country, which has lingered for several
years, is being tagged by both individuals and the international community as
one of the most challenges presently faced by the nation, that, if severe and
drastic measure is not taken to address the anomaly, it stands the chances of
crippling the socio-economic status of the country.
Since Nigeria’s independence on 1st of October 1960, the
country has indeed suffered so many maltreatments from her subjects, especially
those referred to as leaders. This is why it would take only a holistic measure
to address the ongoing ugly state of the nation.
As Nigeria commemorates her 54th Independence Anniversary
today, there is an urgent need for everyone irrespective of social, political
or religious affiliations, to come together towards actualizing a better and
more unified Nigeria. On this note, it would be consequential for us to
comprehend that all hands must be on deck to ensure that an undiluted
solidarity is found among the entire citizenry of the country.
Actualizing a thorough and complete unity is our prerogative, thus ought
to remain our watchword if truly we want Nigeria to smile broadly again. And,
we should note that embracing the anticipated undiluted solidarity is long
overdue, because fifty-four (54) years is not fifty-four days. Therefore it is
a priority and shouldn’t be compromised. Think about it!
COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Public
Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist
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+2348028608056
