On this day, 55 years ago, heroes of our noble country in a round table signed the treaty proclaiming Nigeria as an independent nation from the domination and control of Britain. From that moment forward, the day became a reminisce of FREEDOM and a point of departure from the long nights of colonial injustices, oppression, denigration and suffocation. The savers who doggedly fought to liberate us from the hard grip of the unpalatable realities that ravaged us in all facets of our national life were neither, Yorubas, Hausas or Igbos nor Christians or Muslims; rather they were patriots who understood and believed in the Nigerian dream- the dream to hold hands together irrespective of tribe and religion to build a strong black nation that will stand out in all spheres and be at par with super nations of the world.
At independence, the slogan was ONE NIGERIA. This slogan made Nigerians see themselves as one and united nation. With this concept in view Nigerians of the time immediately after independence put Nigeria first before their regions and ethnic nationalities, but suffice it to say today as obtainable in Nigeria that, the once celebrated One Nigeria has dovetailed into tribal consciousness, religious segregation and political severity predicated on regional or religious boundaries. Admittedly, this is were we have wandered away and deserted the pathways of our founding fathers who never reposed, discriminated either on the bases of tribe or religion in the fight for freedom. They fought tactfully and purposefully, knitted together and inspired by a collective struggle to put Nigeria at the forefront of nations in the world.
Our deviance from the model laid down by our heroes past has greatly contributed to the various challenges bedevilling us as a people and hindering our national growth and socio-economic development inspite of our vast human and natural resources.
Therefore, if we must get it right as a nation, we must do away with tribal sentiment, religious bigotry, misappropriation and misapplication of our resources, looting; and more importantly, we must pursue vigorously value re-orientation of our people and uphold zero tolerance to and for corruption. The unity of this nation is non-negotiable and we all have a critical role to play in supporting our leaders to drive our nation to an enviable height in the comity of nations .
However, I am positive that our past suffering and present freedom will spur Us further to keep this nation together as showed in the last election defying foreign predictions of our disintegration and the determination of our President @MBuhari to create a change that will see our dear nation move forward. The body language of the president so far demonstrates a man who is desperate to foster the needed change for our nation. Thus, as a people, we must key into the visions of our leaders in this regards.
As we celebrate 55years of nationhood, I sincerely congratulated President Buhari; His Excellency, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa; Deltans and Nigerians. I therefore urge all to remember the labours of heroes past in our daily living and pursuit.
Happy 55 Anniversary Nigerians.
John Obukowho Nani
Hon. Com. For Environment,
Delta State
