Nigeria marks its 62 years of independence anniversary as a nation today and this year’s anniversary is actually coming five months close to the 2023 general election.
It is an election many Nigerians believe can change the story of the country for the better which is with it's tradition that the Nigerian government had lined up activities to mark the event.
It was reported by NAIJACHIDOO Media that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed while reeling out the activities to commemorate the 2022 Independence Day , last week, disclosed there would be a Presidential Broadcast and afterward the same day, a Military Parade at the Eagle Square, Central downtown , Abuja.
The Minister further announced that the Award of National Honours would be held as a part of the Independence Anniversary on October 11 in the nation’s capital.
Mohammed claimed that celebrating Nigeria’s independence anniversary in 2022 is a reminder that, in spite of the challenges the country has faced, Nigerians remain united, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari administration have already been committed to the promotion of unity, security and stability around the country.
However, some Nigerians have expressed mixed feelings about the celebration of this year’s independence anniversary, noting that the country, because it stands now is currently considered one of the worst places to be born in the sense that there are numerous intractable challenges that have defied solutions there in.
Many also wonder why those in power are more concerned about the squandering of resources stupidly about the devastating consequences on the hapless poor citizens.
Most of the respondents, who spoke with Naijachidoo have expressed an excellent disappointment while grieving about the way things are in the country and also at the Orange Market in Mararaba which is situated at Karu Area Council of Nasarawa State with the mood of disappointment that rented the air.
Some of the market women that spoke to NAIJACHIDOO Media have expressed there dissatisfaction over the very fact that Nigeria at 62 was still limping on wounded legs and heads, insisting that the insecurity and corruption round the country was the orders of the day.
Our dear country is blessed abundant resources but those in the leadership position do not know how to use it for the good of the people. No country can grow where leaders cannot see beyond their noses as woman said. She also said that there's no visible sign of development and Nigeria is in total darkness.
Most of our leaders are political looters and though she initially hesitated to talk to the NAIJACHIDOO Media further when an FCT taxi driver, told her to hold back her anger.
I can tell you sincerely that there's nothing worth celebrating in the so-called independence celebration of Nigeria. the sole thing that is worth celebrating in this country is nothing but sorrow, tears, blood, corruption and undemocratic values, he said.
Meanwhile, a Port-Harcourt based legal practitioner by name Peter Ugwuoke, has come up with his opinion that a society that doesn’t value education but only spells doom and gloom for the future; making the task of imbibing patriotism and nation building especially ardent is of no use.
He angrily reported that what exactly are we celebrating if he may ask and therefore the fact that there are numerous students roaming the streets due to the ASUU strike, or the high unemployment rate; a dire situation with many societal implications- as prostitution seems to be the ‘easy’ route for several of the affected females.
He suggested that the state needs to reinvent the culture of discipline, honesty, diligence in diligence and being your brother’s keeper- amongst many other good practices.
Also speaking, a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr Victor Bassey said it's only those who participated or are still participating in the looting of the national treasury who are celebrating.
I am not celebrating Nigeria at 62, because there's nothing to celebrate in the true sense- except if you are part of those involved in the ‘oil theft’ racket or those sharing the commonwealth of the citizenry, then maybe you'll have some reason to celebrate.
Those cornering the wealth of the bulk should remember though, your celebration is vainly , as you're surrounded by those you have looted from will strike back in full measure.
He added that the dearth of excellent leadership has been one of the major challenges but he believes there is hope, advising that patriots mustn’t relent and must still prod the cause till when the good ones amongst the people emerge and take hold of affairs to stabilize the whole situation.
Notwithstanding the prevailing negative mood within the country, many believe the country is blessed abundant resources, and hope that those in the leadership position will know how to tap into those resources to achieve the desired development.