RASHEED ALADEJANA, here, samples the opinions of young Nigerians on their assessment of the progress of the country since its independence, and what hopes they have for a better Nigeria.
Oyelami Akinkunmi
The major challenges faced by Nigeria are ethnicity and religion because of the nation’s diverse ethnicity and biases. It has been a major setback for Nigeria. There is hope for Nigeria because there are lots of advancement in all areas of Nigeria, especially the advancement of media in the past 10 years. The government has lots of plans for the youth but love and selflessness are lacking in Nigeria. We should learn to accommodate others. God bless Nigeria.
Agboola Rachel
I hope for a country free of corruption, a well-planned educational system, adequate security where everybody can feel safe, with poverty alleviation, and job opportunities enough to reduce the rate of emigration, better health facilities, electricity infrastructure and a better Nigeria in 10 years. We citizens can contribute to making Nigeria a better place in various ways. We must say no to corruption as the change we want begins with us as citizens.
Akinyemi Victor
Is there even any progress in the first place? That is supposed to be the question. We were once viewed as one of the leading lights in Sub-Saharan Africa, a superpower some said. We grew up knowing this country as the Giant of Africa, but are we truly the giant?
China has progressed, Ethiopia has progressed, we have not. That is the honest truth. Africa may be rising, but Nigeria is not.
Unless we decide to build Nigeria, nobody else can or will do it for us. Since independence, I have not seen any significant changes at all.
Of all the challenges Nigeria faces, insecurity I think is the toughest. Corruption, Bad economy, and many others are also there.
The honest truth is if Nigeria continues at this pace at which it is going, there will be no hope in the next decade not to talk of two decades. They will just be counting numbers but there won’t be growth or development. There is hope. That’s when we the youth and old people decide to do the right thing, fight and stand against corruption and bad governance.
Mercy Ochonogor
I haven’t seen any progress since Nigeria became independent. It has been from one problem to another. To me, I don’t think there is anything positive. There is constant political and economic crisis. In fact, the education sector is not exempted. I think Nigeria is still facing challenges in every sector and we need a mindful government to help us eradicate them. I believe Nigeria will be better than it is now. Citizens can help in some many ways especially during election. They should endeavour to exercise their franchise and chase away bad government. We can also develop by helping one another grow in all ramifications and start praying for a better Nigeria rather than challenging the ruling government.
Olofunyoku Oluwaseun
I feel Nigeria still has a lot to cover in terms of governance, administration, security and welfare of the citizens primarily. It was only in the beginning that there were little changes. Significant achievements died since 1983 when the military took charge, and till date, we are yet to get it right as a country.
The challenges facing the 64-year-old country Nigeria are numerous, but the major challenge is lack of patriotic leadership and citizenship.
There is hope for Nigeria. Firstly, we need all hands to be on deck. We should shun tribalism, ethnicity and corruption. Nigeria will be great again the moment we the citizens become patriotic, while the leaders adhere strictly to rule of law where nobody is above the law.
Tahir Muhammad
To be honest it is as if the country is retrogressing after every election. The only progress we witnessed were in the days of those who first led the country because those ones understood where the shoes were pinching the masses. But now, the government does not care.
The most significant achievements of Nigeria to me are corruption and bad governance because in these areas, Nigeria is making vast and rapid growth compared to other areas like technology, education and health. We are really lagging.
For hope to be restored for Nigeria, leaders and the people must wake up from their slumber and accept that it is the responsibility of all of us. Also, corruption should be discouraged across all levels. That is when there would be hope.
Ekunnusi Kimot
I think Nigeria, since it gained independence in 1960, has made progress. But the progress suddenly stopped for no cause. Nigeria, as a nation, is faced with problems of nepotism, tribalism, corruption, bad government and poor followers. In the next 10 years, the hope for Nigeria is especially in the area of technology and media. We the citizens can contribute to the making of Nigeria a better place by shunning all social vices and work with the government of the day.
Oluwapelumi Badusi
To me, there’s no significant achievement Nigeria has made over the past 64 years. We don’t have good roads; no steady electricity supply and a lot of graduates are unemployed. My hope for Nigeria in the next 10 years is to have good leaders that can rule this nation without embezzling public funds. Citizens should pay their taxes in time; they should do everything within their power to make this country a great nation. They shouldn’t wait for the government.
Jacob Michael
Nigeria’s progress since independence is a mixed bag, with many citizens feeling that the country hasn’t achieved its full potential. According to a recent poll, 31% of Nigerians believe that the country hasn’t made any significant progress since gaining independence in 1960.
In the next 10 years, I hope Nigeria will diversify economy, improve security, improve infrastructure and build national unity. Nigerian citizens can contribute to making Nigeria a better place by voting the right candidates.
Omolere Covenant
I am indifferent. I do not see any progress at all. Since I grew and started having knowledge of things, all I can see is that we are far from progress, because things become more difficult day by day. If there are significant achievements, I can’t recollect any. There are many challenges especially of insecurity and corruption. My hope for Nigeria in the next 10 years is for this country to be a little better than what it is now. I will say citizens should not join the tide of corruption. With love and unity, these will go a long way in solving part of this country’s challenges.
Emmanuel Oluwadola
To me, since independence I don’t see Nigeria progressing; it is like freedom in bondage. We’ve seen countries like Rwanda make progress more than Nigeria. The significant achievements made to me is the Dangote Refinery. The biggest challenge is corruption, bad leadership and insecurity. My hope for the next 10 years is that both leaders and the people should start doing things in the right way. The people should stop relying on the government and stop making life unbearable for their fellow citizens. It is then the hope of a new nation will come alive. Citizens should have a mindset that Nigeria will be great again. They should stop selling their votes and elect the right leaders.
Monsurat Yekini
I believe Nigeria has made some strides since independence, especially in terms of infrastructure, education, and maintaining sovereignty. However, the progress has been inconsistent with periods of stagnation and setbacks due to corruption, political instability, and insecurity. The restoration of democracy in 1999 stands out as a major achievement. The country has also experienced growth in telecommunications and improvements in Nollywood. The country still faces numerous challenges, including corruption, inadequate infrastructure, widespread poverty, unemployment, ethnic and religious tensions and insecurity. The high rate of inflation and a fragile economy continue to strain the daily lives of citizens. There is also a need for more effective governance and social reforms to address these issues. I hope Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve a more stable political environment, with a stronger economy that offers more opportunities for all citizens. I would like to see a more united country, free from violence and ethnic divisions, where the youth are empowered, and Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading nation in Africa and globally.
Faith Ajibade
Nigeria as a nation still faces and will keep facing the problem of unemployment which is increasing the level at which people leave the country (japa). I hope Nigeria will become a country where everyone can sleep with both eyes closed. And hopefully the country will become a place where citizens and non-citizens will return and be proud to call Nigeria their home. Citizens can contribute to making Nigeria a better place through prayer and obedience to the ruling government. I like the saying: change begins with me!
Read Also: Akwa Ibom LG poll: Political parties sign peace accord
