Nigerian Youths on Independence Day Celebration and Nigeria

Young people are not just agile in activities, but also alert in the mind. One of the fulfilling activities I embarked upon over the past few days was to ask young, enlightened and patriotic Nigerians how expectant they are towards the country’s independence celebration. I was blown away by their deep thoughts on the present situation of the country, and their proposed solutions to the country’s challenges. Most of the young people I had this conversation with are serving NYSC corps members in a select state and in summary, here are few of the points they raised. None were overtly excited about October 1. They rather felt that the country has fallen short of the expectations that propelled our independence. Adekola Ajiboye, a graduate of FUTA has this to say, “I am not excited because it has always been like every other day. The way I felt about Independence Day decades ago when my parents used to talk about it, is not the way I feel about it in recent years. The efficacy of freedom which independence represents has not been seen nor felt in the past years. Politics has overshadowed the real celebration of independence.” Damilola Adedapo, a graduate of University of Ibadan supported this view when she said, “I see the day just like I see every other normal yearly celebration. This is because we have lost touch with what the day connotes. Our parents did not tell us about it and for those who told us about it, we felt they were just telling us fairy tales. I am glad that we are free from colonialism in a way, and that we are free to practice any kind of government that pleases us. Independence also gives us the open access to handle our resources the way we want, but we haven’t taken the right and proper way towards the management of the freedom that has been given to us and the benefits that come with it.” Although most of those I conversed with were mellow about the Independence Day celebration, most felt that we have achieved a lot as a nation since we obtained independence, which they commended. For Kelly Ibunor and Bennett Ogudu, the NYSC scheme is proof that Nigeria is a formidable country that is here to stay for the long haul. Kelly Ibunor, a graduate and a sports-person says, “I am glad that Nigerians are in charge of their country. This NYSC scheme introduced by Gowon would have never seen the light of day if we were not free. It is one of the schemes that has helped teach the young Nigerian about tolerance and the essence of unity, which is why we are still together till today.” Bennett Ogudu, graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and a footballer sees one thing that Nigeria has been able to successfully do despite its numerous challenges. “One of the things we have been able to fight for as a country since independence is staying united and keeping the peace to some extent in the country. The fact that Nigeria is still an entity goes a long way to show there is still hope. If we all keep working together in spite of our diversity and accommodate all stakeholders in decision making, I think it will go a long way to keep us as one for a very long time.” Ikenna Sonnia, a graduate of DELSU and a businessman made his concerns known about how discouraging the business terrain is in the country. He said, “The present situation in the country does not allow businesses at grass root levels to thrive. The only businesses and companies getting the advantages Nigeria has garnered in the market are those at the top, or close to those at the top. This is why I am not excited about our Independence Day.” The security challenges in the country kept coming up in our conversations. Most were appalled at how poor our security level in the country is, and offered suggestions on how to get security right in the country. Ovart Regent Oyama, a singer, proffered solutions on how to tackle the country’s security challenges, “Government should heighten its efforts on security. The country will effectively tackle its security threats if we take introducing forensics and biometric database to deal with these challenges seriously.” Overall, they were optimistic about Nigeria and believe that our best is yet to come. Abiola Daramola, a musician, was quite eager to tell about the opportunities in the country, “I am positively propelled about where we are going as a nation because Nigeria is filled with lots of opportunities and I am optimistic about ideas that are about to be birthed, especially in my industry.” (Laughs) The place of accepting change cannot be overemphasised by these Nigerian youths. Olatomiwa Ariran, a graduate of Mass Communications has this to say about Nigerians keeping in touch with their humanity, which will go a long way in making Nigeria a great nation. “I know that Nigeria has the potential to be better. I don’t ask for any personal gratification other than that people should always put it in their consciousness that we all are first human beings before any other socio-cultural or religious divisions. This consciousness will help people treat others the way they would want to be treated and via this, noticeable change will be observed from the most rural of villages, to the office of the number one citizen.” Regent Oyama says, “What we all need to understand is that this change is not just about a person, or about a leader, it is about every citizen of the country owning up to their responsibilities and adding their quota to the change we seek in this country.” MacPherson Osagiede sums it all up, “Nigeria is not as bad as it looks but Nigerians need to sit up to welcome change. Change is the only constant thing, but when men ignore the time to change then we find that difficulty, backwardness and failure will be inevitable. This is what we see in Nigeria and it has affected us in all areas. Nigerians need to be flexible. We need to learn from our past mistakes and adapt to changes. I know we will be great again. Long live Nigeria, long live Nigerians!” Change is what the Nigerian youths seek for the country. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!