By Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
It’s widely acknowledged that Nigerians are no longer celebrating their nation with the same fervour as before. The subdued atmosphere during the recent celebrations is a reflection of the hardships faced by the people. Reports emerged of politicians distributing celebratory t-shirts, but many citizens chose not to partake in the festivities.
Nigeria, as an independent nation, commemorates the 1st of October annually to mark its liberation from colonial rule. However, this year’s observance was notably muted, with a significant portion of the population feeling disenchanted.
Since gaining independence in 1960, the country’s political landscape has been dominated by a select group of individuals, often passing down power within their families for generations. These political elites have caused disillusionment among the masses by frequently switching political affiliations and appointing their relatives to key governmental positions, thus perpetuating the status quo.
The abundant natural resources, particularly from oil and agriculture, that could have been utilized to create employment opportunities and improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education for the benefit of the populace have been misappropriated and distributed among the aforementioned ruling families and their associates. Despite this, there have been no repercussions for their actions.
Consequently, the burgeoning youth population has become disempowered and unproductive, leading to a surge in crime and social unrest. The government has failed to address the issue of widespread unemployment, leaving millions of young people without viable opportunities.
The state of education has deteriorated to an alarming degree, with many primary school students receiving lessons under inadequate conditions, often outdoors due to the lack of proper facilities. Furthermore, tertiary institutions have been severely underfunded, resulting in frequent strikes by academic staff.
Insecurity continues to plague the nation, particularly in the North West, where the activities of armed bandits have instilled fear and unrest. These criminal elements have become emboldened, targeting not only ordinary citizens but also traditional and community leaders. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that people have resorted to negotiating with the bandits and paying ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
The state of the country’s infrastructure is dire, with many road construction projects either abandoned by contractors or prolonged due to mismanagement of funds. Major highways linking different regions have been in disrepair for prolonged periods without any meaningful intervention.
Furthermore, the current administration’s policies, such as the privatization of electricity and removal of fuel subsidies, have exacerbated the hardships faced by the populace. The resultant inflation has made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford necessities.
The recent nationwide protests underscore the mounting frustrations and grievances of the people. The government’s response to these challenges has been inadequate.
Ethnic and religious divisions have further complicated the path to national development. Despite widespread complaints, tribal and regional loyalties often supersede rational decision-making during elections, perpetuating the cycle of electing leaders based on divisive politics.
The nation stands at a critical juncture, necessitating a concerted effort to overcome these challenges and foster unity for the collective good of the country.
