Independence Day..

October 1 is the day that Nigerians celebrate their independence from British colonial rule; today Nigeria is officially 48 years old. It is almost half a century that Nigerians have been governing themselves and as you can expect, on a public holiday like this, many Nigerians are going to mark this day with some sort of celebrations.

Many also will reflect on the state of the nation they all hold dear to their hearts. Such reflections, I have come to discover—from reading about them or talking to many other Nigerians—reveal a palpable degree of somberness regarding Nigeria's past and future. Indeed, for many Nigerians, there is little cause for joy when they critically weigh Nigeria's past and its future prospects at this time.

But rather than go to great lengths stating my feelings, I will show you the thoughts and writings of other Nigerians regarding the state of the nation 48 years since the Europeans left and handed the mantle of leadership and governance to Nigerian indigenes. Here are a few articles to peruse, but the underlying current through these articles is unmistakably clear.

Nigeria@48: A fool at (almost) fifty --- by Okey Ndibe

Nigeria@48: We are to blame!! --- by Daniel Bankole Afilaka

Nigeria@48: Rethinking Nigeria --- by Chido Onumah

Nigeria@48: Nigeria's Voice of Clarion Call --- by Hilary Ugwu

tags: independence day  october 1  nigeria  

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