PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Nigeria: Nigerians express mixed reactions on Independence anniversary
Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) – As Nigeria observed Wednesday as a public holiday to celebrate the 54th year of Independence from British colonial rule, its citizens have been expressing divergent views on their assessments of the country.
While some were quick to point to the giant stride recorded in education, health, agriculture, foreign policy and communication others said giving the potentials of the country, Nigeria has not achieved much.
According to political analyst, Dr. Lawal Isiaq, “The celebration of Independence is okay. But I think Nigeria has a long way to go. There are some countries that were at par with us then, but today have gone beyond the level we are now”.
Those interviewed said due to corruption, policy inconsistencies, incessant ethno-religious crisis and bad leadership, Nigeria has not been able to translate its huge human and material resources into real development.
“Most of our highways and infrastructure are in bad state compared to what we had 54 years ago. Let me give you an example, the road from Jebba to Ilorin, is a deathtrap. That is the only road that links North with the South. All what they claim they have done are on paper.
“Nigeria is truly the giant of Africa, when you go to other smaller countries on the continent, they are more organised and things seem to be working”, a women leader, Hajia Jummai Abubakar said.
However, in a nationwide broadcast to the citizens, on the anniversary of the country’s independence, President Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria has every cause to celebrate, as it has made giant strides in all spheres of life.
He cited the recent re-basing of the economy which has hit $510 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making the country the largest economy in Africa and the 26th globally.
Some economic analysts said even though there has been an increase in the numbers of schools, hospitals, roads and urbanisation, the levels of poverty, unemployment and hunger are still high.
“Economically, we are not there yet, but with time we can get there. We are growing, even though we can still do better. I think with sincerity and patriotism on the part of both leaders and followers, Nigeria can grow to greater heights. It is important to add that no one will develop Nigeria for us except by ourself”, an economist, Kola Adegoke, said.
On 1 October 1960, the British Union Jack was lowered in Lagos, the former Nigeria capital city. That action signified the end to more than 600 years of colonial rule.
Since independence, Nigeria has been an active member of the United Nations, which it joined as the 99th member on 1 October 1960.
At the regional level, the country has also helped in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 , which later transformed into the African Union (AU).
In addition, Nigeria spearheaded the creation of the sub-regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 .
-0- PANA SB/AR 1Oct2014
While some were quick to point to the giant stride recorded in education, health, agriculture, foreign policy and communication others said giving the potentials of the country, Nigeria has not achieved much.
According to political analyst, Dr. Lawal Isiaq, “The celebration of Independence is okay. But I think Nigeria has a long way to go. There are some countries that were at par with us then, but today have gone beyond the level we are now”.
Those interviewed said due to corruption, policy inconsistencies, incessant ethno-religious crisis and bad leadership, Nigeria has not been able to translate its huge human and material resources into real development.
“Most of our highways and infrastructure are in bad state compared to what we had 54 years ago. Let me give you an example, the road from Jebba to Ilorin, is a deathtrap. That is the only road that links North with the South. All what they claim they have done are on paper.
“Nigeria is truly the giant of Africa, when you go to other smaller countries on the continent, they are more organised and things seem to be working”, a women leader, Hajia Jummai Abubakar said.
However, in a nationwide broadcast to the citizens, on the anniversary of the country’s independence, President Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria has every cause to celebrate, as it has made giant strides in all spheres of life.
He cited the recent re-basing of the economy which has hit $510 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making the country the largest economy in Africa and the 26th globally.
Some economic analysts said even though there has been an increase in the numbers of schools, hospitals, roads and urbanisation, the levels of poverty, unemployment and hunger are still high.
“Economically, we are not there yet, but with time we can get there. We are growing, even though we can still do better. I think with sincerity and patriotism on the part of both leaders and followers, Nigeria can grow to greater heights. It is important to add that no one will develop Nigeria for us except by ourself”, an economist, Kola Adegoke, said.
On 1 October 1960, the British Union Jack was lowered in Lagos, the former Nigeria capital city. That action signified the end to more than 600 years of colonial rule.
Since independence, Nigeria has been an active member of the United Nations, which it joined as the 99th member on 1 October 1960.
At the regional level, the country has also helped in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 , which later transformed into the African Union (AU).
In addition, Nigeria spearheaded the creation of the sub-regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1975 .
-0- PANA SB/AR 1Oct2014
Tags Politics
