Nigeria's 51st Independence Anniversary: any cause for celebration?

I wanted to write on the above subject, then I remembered my write up exactly 4 years ago, 4 months into Late President Yar'Adua's administration. I lamented the failures of the past and expressed optimism for the future.

I have examined the present state of the nation, there are many things to lament about and few to celebrate. Let me heed to President Jonathan's counsel that we should lament no more. Should I remain optimistic? Yes, I should. The hopes I expressed in the article below were later dashed but I will never be a pessimist.
I see a better Nigeria. I remain committed to contributing my own quota to national development and I recommend that every Nigerian should do same.

You may kindly read through the article below written in October 2007 and published in The Nation newspaper, share what you feel about Nigeria and your expectations for the future.

Together we can! In unity we shall build a new Nigeria. God Bless Nigeria!

Wazobia: any cure for this sick patient at 47?

Nigeria, our beloved country recently celebrated her 47^th independence anniversary. I was in Abuja then and I had expected to witness the usual week-long programme as it used to be during the immediate past administration. That was not to be, rather, it was marked in a low-key manner.

On that morning, my eyes were glued to the television to listen to Mr. President’s address. I was quite pleased with the short but precise speech devoid of self praise and the so called political statements. I must state unequivocally that President Yar’Adua’s style of governance so far has triggered a restoration of my hope and belief in the Nigerian project; which was dwindled by the pseudo-tyrannical approach of the last administration.

Moreover, I would liken the story of Nigeria to that of Mr. Wazobia, a 47 year old chronically ill patient. This patient was delivered normally. He was growing normally, well nourished and catered for until about 6^th year of life when he sustained an injury with a secondary bacterial infection. While the infection was still on but tolerable, he suffered a ghastly road traffic accident that incapacitated him for 3 years. The wounds sustained were yet to heal when Wazobia got infected with a deadly virus. The virus caused severe damages in his system. Working synergistically with the bacteria and other micro organisms, they caused severe starvation, vomiting and diarrhea.

Luckily, the chronic bacterial infection got cured when he was 19 years but recurred 4 years later and lasted for another 16 years. The bacteria finally gave way when a strong combination therapy was used for it, at this time, Wazobia was 39 years old. The viral treatment commenced thereafter. Due to improper use of the drugs, the virus has developed some resistance thereby making the disease very difficult to manage. All these explain the short stature of Wazobia, the scars on his body and other noticeable abnormalities.

In fact, it is sad to know that Nigeria has not been able to address any of the major problems that militate against the socioeconomic development namely: power, water, good transport network and corruption. Nigerians suffer flood disasters but do not have portable water to drink. The poor state of railways and road network are incontrovertibly obvious.  All these work synergistically with corruption to cause a persistent high level of poverty and disease.

The consolation, however, is that the new president seems to be truly committed to taking the country back to the path of progress. The concept of servant leadership, total respect for the rule of law and electoral reforms should be pursued holistically. Mr. President has done well by not wasting the tax payers’ money on elaborate jamboree and fun fare for the elites in the name of independence anniversary celebration. Its better we just mark the day and channel the huge sums to projects that would positively affect the lives of the masses.

Let’s hope the new physician; Dr Y would be able to cure Wazobia of the chronic viral infection (corruption). Meanwhile, Dr Y would require supportive services from other health workers (other leaders) and the prayers and good conduct of the patient’s children (all Nigerians).