NIGERIA AT 65 - WHAT ARE WE REALLY CELEBRATING?

By Olaleye Feranmi 

Honestly, I’ve been asking myself this same question: what exactly are we celebrating, sef? I’ve searched deeply for an answer, but I couldn’t find any. So, I decided to throw the question open to everyone.

Yes, today marks 65 years since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, a milestone that should ordinarily call for joy, reflection, and gratitude. But when we look around, can we truly say we’ve made meaningful progress as a nation? Does it really warrant celebrating? Let’s be honest with ourselves; what are we celebrating?

Are we celebrating the state of our education sector, which once produced some of the best scholars in Africa but is now struggling for survival? According to UNESCO, Nigeria currently has over 20 million out-of-school children, the highest in the world. Public universities are underfunded, while students live in constant fear of another ASUU strike. Our public schools, from primary to tertiary, are dilapidated, lacking basic facilities like chairs, libraries, laboratories, and even toilets. Meanwhile, private schools, accessible only to the rich, are flourishing. Is this equality? Is this progress?

What exactly are we celebrating in the health sector? The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Nigeria’s healthcare system among the lowest in global performance. Our hospitals lack modern equipment, drugs, and trained personnel. Doctors and nurses are constantly leaving the country in search of better working conditions; a trend known as the “Japa syndrome.” Even our leaders don’t trust the system they oversee; they travel abroad for medical checkups while ordinary Nigerians die of preventable illnesses. Is this what 65 years of independence should look like?

And let’s not even ignore the economy. The Naira has depreciated massively, inflation is biting hard, and poverty has become the reality of millions. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty. The cost of food, transportation, and housing keeps rising, while salaries remain stagnant. Many families can’t afford three square meals anymore.

Now, let’s talk about a group that is often forgotten: Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). According to the World Bank and National Population Commission, there are over 25 million Nigerians living with one form of disability or another. Despite the signing of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2019, implementation remains weak. Many persons with disabilities still face barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and public transportation. Public buildings lack ramps or accessible designs; sign language interpreters are rare in schools and hospitals, and many visually impaired individuals are denied access to educational materials or employment opportunities. What are we celebrating when millions of our brothers and sisters with disabilities are treated like second-class citizens in their own country?

If we continue listing our challenges, such as insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, corruption, unstable power supply, and social inequality, we might end up shedding tears instead of singing the national anthem. But this is not to condemn Nigeria entirely. No, we still have reasons to hope. We have resilient youths, brilliant minds, natural resources, and a divine destiny. Our leaders across all arms, the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, need our prayers and accountability. They are trying in their own ways, but Nigeria can do better. We must do better.

So, as we mark 65 years of independence, let’s not just celebrate blindly. Let’s reflect deeply. Let’s hold our leaders accountable. Let’s include everyone, especially persons with disabilities, in national development. And above all, let’s pray and work for a Nigeria where education is accessible, healthcare is reliable, the economy is stable, and every citizen, abled or disabled, is valued and empowered.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria! May the next 65 years bring true freedom, justice, inclusion, and prosperity for all. 🙏🇳🇬

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