Nigeria at 48: False Promises

Overview:

Nigeria as a country is underdeveloped in terms of basic social amenities and super-infrastructures that would enhance qualitative education, advancement of technology and research. Nigerians have not been fortunate enough to have patriotic and courageous leaders. There is no record of meaningful transformation and development in urban and rural communities despite the enormous revenue we are currently generating from oil and gas.

The only pride of Nigeria now is Nollywood (Entertainment), rating on foreign policy 0%, and the improvement of judiciary system is under 10%. In terms of Nigeria’s economy, it is below average (High rate of unemployment and inflation). The Niger/Delta issue and the marginalization of lower income earners can not be ignored.

Celebration:

I am not in total support of idea of celebrating Nigeria’s Independence by dancing parade or Nigerians converging at the Nigeria house (Embassy) for street party. For a nation like Nigeria, Independence Day should be a time for serious discussions, reflection and projection.Most associations that we have in USA are not goal and result orientated.

Most of these organizations have unresolved internal crisis. They are just after their own interests and motives. The creations of the organizations are not backed by genuine intentions.

I think Nigerians in Diaspora should organize themselves and discuss vital issues that would bring about economic development and progress in Nigeria. We shouldn’t just criticize or identify problems; we should also proffer solutions to those identified problems. It should be noticed that such gathering needs publicity. I do not think getting coverage on C-SPAN is too much; we deserve better. I have seen C-SPAN covering events and town hall meeting of Indians, Hispanic, Jewish and Arabs communities.

Lastly, We all have to be optimist and prayerful.

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.