The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a public holiday to commemorate the nation’s 64th Independence Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on Saturday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion and praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the “labour of our heroes’ past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dreams can only be built when we unite.”
While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day anniversary, Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.
Nigeria attained its independence from Britain on October 1, 1960.
Nearly half a century earlier, in 1914, the British amalgamated the Northern and Southern British protectorates into the Nigerian Federation.
However, as Nigeria marks its 64th year of independence from British colonial rule; the mood across the nation is mixed.
For many, it is a time to reflect on what the country has achieved over the decades and what it still struggles to accomplish.
While Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy and boasts a population of over 220 million people, its trajectory has not been as smooth as expected.
“One of Nigeria’s biggest challenges has been managing its economy. While the country has seen periods of growth, particularly due to its oil exports, the majority of its citizens have not felt the benefits.”
The country’s journey has been marked by economic ups and downs, political instability, security challenges, and persistent inequality.
For many Nigerians, the progress made over the last six decades is slow, if not stunted.
Many have argued that Nigeria’s case is a very depressing one. They point to the fact that everything is in abundance, yet the country is not developing.
There are abundant human and natural resources in Nigeria. With all these, Nigeria has remained unsuccessful.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria was seen as a beacon of hope for Africa. With vast natural resources, including oil and gas, and a diverse youthful population, the country was positioned to become a major global player.
Conversely, six decades later, many Nigerians feel that the dream of a prosperous, stable nation remains elusive.
One of Nigeria’s biggest challenges has been managing its economy. While the country has seen periods of growth, particularly due to its oil exports, the majority of its citizens have not felt the benefits.
Unemployment, inflation, and poverty rates remain high, and many Nigerians live in difficult conditions.
Africa’s most populous nation is currently grappling with rising prices which has led to various social unrest and industrial action by labour unions.
Though headline inflation has slowed for the second consecutive month to 32.15 per cent in August 2024, the living conditions of the citizens have in no way gotten any better.
Food inflation, which constitutes over 50 percent of Nigeria’s headline inflation, has also decelerated to 37.52 percent due to seasonal harvests.
Nevertheless, prices for essential items like rice, beans, bread, and other processed staples remain relatively high.
Nigeria, a nation with over 220 million people, has more than 24 million people who are food insecure and plunged into hunger, according to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 133 million Nigerians, more than half of the population, are classified as multidimensionally poor.
This staggering statistic raises the question: why, after 64 years, is poverty still so rampant in a country with immense wealth?
Nigeria’s dependency on oil has left its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, and while there have been efforts to diversify, these have not been successful enough to shield the country from economic shocks.
Since independence, Nigeria has experienced several military coups, a civil war, and multiple changes in government, which have hindered its political and economic development.
Although the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, political instability and poor governance remain significant issues.
One of the most pressing challenges Nigeria faces today is insecurity.
From the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, and kidnappings for ransom across the country, Nigerians are living in constant fear.
Data from SBM Intelligence revealed that 11,162 fatalities were recorded between 2018 and 2024, owing to Boko Haram insurgency.
These security concerns have dampened economic growth, displaced millions, and made day-to-day life precarious for many citizens.
Two sectors that are crucial for national development, education and healthcare, have not received the attention they deserve.
Nigeria’s educational system, once regarded as one of the best in Africa, has deteriorated due to underfunding, lack of infrastructure, and brain drain.
Nigeria now has 17.81 million children of school age out of school, according to UNICEF.
The country’s poor investment in education is a major concern.
The state of its schools is terrible. There are not enough lecturers, the infrastructure is poor, and the universities spend more time striking than learning.
How can the country compete globally when its education system is in shambles?
Healthcare is another area where Nigeria has fallen short. Many Nigerians still lack access to basic healthcare services, and the country continues to suffer from preventable diseases such as malaria, cholera, and maternal mortality.
For those who can afford it, medical tourism to countries like India and the UK has become a norm, draining resources that could have been invested in the local healthcare system.
Despite the many challenges, Nigerians remain hopeful that the country can still reach its potential.
They point to the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, growing tech sector, and resilient population as signs that Nigeria can turn things around.
As the country looks forward to the future, the challenge remains: how can Nigeria’s leaders, and its people, work together to overcome the obstacles that have held it back for decades?
The answers will determine whether Nigeria can finally fulfill the promise of independence, or whether it will continue to lag behind.
Nigeria must open its doors to the people, and address their economic hardships and insecurity.
