Sixty-five years after it hoisted its own flag of independence, Nigeria, despite its rich resources and large population, still wrestles with questions of progress, unity, and survival.
On October 1, 1960, amid great optimism, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa proclaimed Nigeria’s freedom at the Race Course in Lagos, in the presence of Princess Alexandra of Kent and Sir James Robertson. The new nation was expected to thrive on oil wealth, national unity, and economic growth.
Today, however, six and a half decades later, many citizens say the dream has not lived up to its promise. Poverty, corruption, insecurity, and inadequate infrastructure remain heavy burdens.
In conversations across the country, Nigerians shared with Gift Oba their honest reflections on the nation’s journey so far.
For Kehinde Peters, a fabric merchant in Abeokuta, Independence Day should be a time of sober reflection rather than celebration.
She questioned: “What exactly are we celebrating? Corruption, insecurity, or the suffering of the masses? Growth is a process, yes, but can we say 65 years later we are proud of who we have become? I don’t think so.”
Peters called on leaders to leave paper promises behind and walk among the people, insisting that Nigeria has never lacked policies but only the will to implement them.
Similarly, comedian and influencer Kayode Abiodun acknowledged that while Nigeria has endured hardship, the country cannot abandon hope. He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to quicken reforms so citizens can feel relief.
“At 65, the country is still groaning under economic hardship. But just like a child needs time before walking, we must trust the process. Still, the president must hasten it so Nigerians can finally smile,” he said.
Evans Osagede, a nightlife entrepreneur, echoed concerns about unfulfilled democratic promises. He lamented that independence anniversaries no longer spark excitement among Nigerians, yet he remained optimistic.
“We may not have seen real dividends of democracy, but I believe tomorrow can be better. The government must put the masses first and create room for businesses to grow,” he noted.
For civil society advocate Akinpelu Akintayo, Nigeria’s health sector shows a mix of progress and setbacks. While recent reforms have improved health funding, he warned that shortages of medical personnel and inadequate tertiary care continue to plague the system.
“Our government must do more to retain health workers and strengthen all levels of healthcare delivery. At 65, we should not only reflect on the past but also plan deliberately for the future,” he said.
Across these voices, one theme is clear: Nigerians remain torn between disappointment and resilience. While many are disillusioned by persistent challenges, they continue to hope that the sacrifices of past heroes will one day translate into the nation envisioned in 1960.
