As Nigeria celebrates 5decades plus one, a greater percentage of the populace believe that the nation best exemplifies an underachiever and that all hope is lost. Saying never shall the nation rise again.
Another school of thought believes that while it is true that the nation is sinking and fast becoming a failed state, however, all hope is not lost. Saying soon the slouching elephant shall rise again.
There is also a group,whom most concur are dissenters, this group are of the opinion the nation should say hurray and count its blessings. Saying the nation shall ever be prepared to get it right.
Divergent camps all with reasons to prove their case, hence yours truly Naijalog as decided that as part of our independence package we glean from major newspapers across Nigeria, the views of thought leaders on Nigeria. Be the judge of what the Nigerian nation should look like. Post your comments.
Happy reading.
A safer, prosperous future-Jonathan
In a broadcast to commemorate the nation’s 51st independence anniversary on Saturday, President Goodluck Jonathan assured Nigerians he would lead the nation to a safer, more peaceful and prosperous future notwithstanding the various challenges currently facing the country.
According to Jonathan, “All leaders and citizens in every community must therefore make peace the number one priority of their daily routine. This is because, without peace, no community can realise its objectives or achieve a happy and productive life for its members.
“The current incidents of violence and terror in parts of the country will surely be overcome. We will secure the safety of our citizens for only when we do this, will we be able to build the needed peace and tranquility in all parts of the federation. Securing our peace and stability will ensure economic growth and prosperity for all.”
Continuing he said, “We are growing our economy to generate employment opportunities for our teeming youth and enhanced prosperity for every citizen. This remains the main focus of my administration. In a few days time, I shall launch an innovative competition for our young entrepreneurs to come up with ways to expand their businesses, create more jobs, and sharpen their business skills.
Sambo: Shares a prayer with Nigeria, Looks up to God for Progress
Vice President Namadi Sambo said a prayer for Nigeria at the National Mosque, Abuja to commemorate the nation’s 51st independence anniversary.
He said, “We extend our sincere happiness to Almighty Allah that has made it possible for us to see this important day and to pray that He continues to grant favour to our country, Nigeria, for peace and progress.
“We thank Almighty Allah for what He has granted us and we pray that we continue to be given the good health and the wisdom for the development and progress of Nigeria.”
Independence: Panacea, Greatness Can Only Be Achieved through Maintenance of Peace, Law And Order - Fashola
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State while speaking to reporters on Friday at the Lagos State Government Central Mosque, Alausa, after the Jumat and Special Prayers for the nation called on Nigerians to increase their productivity and maintain peace, law and order.
He said this was the only way the country could achieve greatness.
He said he was convinced that, just as he said last year during the 50th Independence anniversary, the nation’s best still ahead of her.
BRF said, “I celebrate with Nigerians as our country marks its 51st independence anniversary. I wish Nigerians a very happy anniversary. Let me say that the future that I see is one that the divergent groups aspire to a common country.
“I belief that the assets that this country has will only be put to optimum use if its people come together.”
Tambuwal Acknowledges Developmental Challenges, Calls on Aggrieved Group to Exercise Patience
Exactly one year after Nigeria celebrated its Golden Jubilee, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has urged aggrieved groups in the country to embrace peace rather than engaging in acts of violence.
The speaker said that violence would only cause disunity among Nigerians.
He admitted that though the country was facing enormous development challenges at 51, Nigerians should be hopeful and pray for better years ahead. Tambuwal noted, “The spectra of lamentation, which has been our lot should stop and the process of rebuilding must begin in earnest, starting with a passionate appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to shun violence and other acts capable of promoting disunity.
“Now, and at all times, we should re-focus and uphold only those virtues and values which promote peace, unity and development in our dear nation.” He pledged that the House would play its own part in the efforts to build the country through the passage of relevant legislation.
“On our part as legislators, we are determined to build a virile legislature that will assist government’s transformation drive, hence we have come up with a legislative agenda that will serve as a frame work on issues of constitutional reform, revival and diversification of the economy, employment generation, strengthening national security, curbing corruption, tackling energy crisis and general infrastructure decay,” he added.
Prelate Makinde Advises Government To Talk Less and Take More Action
The prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, has called on the country’s political leaders to shun rhetoric and focus on programmes and policies that will transform Nigeria.
The relate said it was imperative for Nigerians to begin to witness real-time growth and development, which would make their lives better and bring smiles to their faces.
He said, “It is right to say that every Nigerian, home and abroad, has reason to thank God and celebrate the nation’s 51st Independence Day anniversary for the fact that we are alive and the country has remained one. It is also true that Nigerians have seen their hopes dashed and their expectations vanish as successive governments struggled to piece together the broken parts.
“We started well considering the passion and patriotism with which our founding fathers laboured and worked to set us on the right path, but due to greed, self-centeredness, religious bigotry and intolerance, we squandered everything they laboured to put in place.”
Makinde noted that insecurity of lives and property was at an all-time high, while lawlessness and brigandage have continued unchecked, especially as being exhibited by groups like Boko Haram and other extremist organisations.
He described the effect of corruption as reverberating in every facet, as he called for a turnaround from those saddled with the responsibility of reactivating Nigeria’s economic fortunes. He tasked them to put rhetoric aside and get down to serious work as there was so much to be done.
He said, “We have a lot of grounds to cover so there is no room for rhetoric anymore. We want to see action at all levels and those in positions of authority must understand this. Nigerians want policies and programmes that would translate to growth and development. They want economic agendas that would put food on their table, summits and conferences that would create jobs and put infrastructure in place.”
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