On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence. It was a proud and hopeful moment. Our founding fathers people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and others dreamed of a great country with peace, unity, and progress. Sadly, 65 years later, many of those dreams have not come true.
Funny at 65, we are still talking about the same old problems: poverty, unemployment, poor education, insecurity, corruption, weak infrastructure, and lack of basic services like electricity. Too many Nigerians live without clean water, stable power, good roads, or access to quality healthcare. The question is no longer “What’s wrong?” we already know. The real question is: “What are we going to do about it?”
Nigeria still has a lot of potential, but we are stuck with the same problems: poverty, bad roads, poor electricity, insecurity, corruption, and weak leadership. If our founding fathers could see what Nigeria has become, they would be deeply disappointed from the great beyond.
This is not the time for long speeches or celebration parades. This is the time for serious thinking and real planning.
A Hard Look at Where We Are
At 65, Nigeria has passed through so many challenges a civil war, years of military rule, oil wealth that didn’t benefit all, economic troubles, and many changes in leadership. Yet, our people especially the youth are tired and frustrated.
Many Nigerians are getting poorer. Basic services like electricity, clean water, and good roads are still not available to most citizens. Millions of young people are jobless, and trust in government is very low.
This 65th independence anniversary should not just be a time to remember the past. It must be a time to take action and fix what is broken.
Why We Must Plan for the Future
Nigeria cannot continue to move forward without a strong and long-term plan. Too many times, our leaders focus only on winning elections instead of building the country. That’s why we keep having the same problems year after year.
We need a national development plan that will guide Nigeria for the next 25 to 50 years no matter who is in power. The plan should focus on:
Growing the economy beyond oil countries like China and Malaysia are developing without relying on oil.
Improving education and digital skills, our schools must work well, and university lecturers should not always be on strike.
Fixing roads, electricity, and water supply.
Protecting the environment and dealing with climate change.
Creating more jobs and opportunities for young people.
Fighting insecurity and making justice available to all.
Ensuring honesty and accountability in government.
Nigeria will only have a better future if we make solid plans and stick to them.
How to Plan for the Future
For Nigeria to truly move forward, we need to change how we think and how we lead. Here are eight important things we must do:
1.Create a Long-Term National Plan.The government must make a clear development plan that continues, even when new leaders are elected. It should not just sit on paper it must be followed and reviewed regularly.
2.Use Real Data to Guide Decisions.Good planning needs accurate data. We must support agencies like the National Bureau of Statistics so that decisions are based on facts, not guesswork.
3.Fix Infrastructure and Support Industries
We need better roads, electricity, railways, and ports. At the same time, we should grow industries like farming, manufacturing, and technology to create jobs and reduce imports.
4.Go Green and Protect the Environment
Climate change is real and already affecting us. Nigeria must invest in clean energy, green jobs, and laws that protect our environment.A green economy can also attract international support and funding.
5.Improve Education and Skills.Our school system must focus on science, technology, and practical skills. Vocational training, digital access, and lifelong learning should become part of national development.
6 Make Nigeria Safer
Security is not just about soldiers and weapons. It also means fighting poverty, injustice, and corruption. We must invest in community policing, peace-building, and conflict resolution, especially in troubled areas.
7.Give More Power to States and Communities
Abuja cannot do everything. States and local governments need more money, freedom, and support to solve their own problems. When development happens at the local level, progress becomes faster and more meaningful.
8.Involve Nigerians Abroad and Global Friends.Millions of Nigerians in the diaspora are doing great things in fields like medicine, business, and technology. We should work with them and also build strong partnerships with other countries to learn and grow together.
Nigeria’s Youth: Our Biggest Strength
Over 60% of Nigerians are under the age of 30. That is our biggest strength if we support them well. Young people are already leading in areas like fintech, agriculture, music, and fashion.
To build a better future, we must include young people in national decision-making. They need good schools, job opportunities, internet access, business support, and leadership roles. Young people should not only vote; they must help lead the change.
The Leadership We Need
For all this to work, we need honest and forward-thinking leaders.Leaders elected by the people.Leaders must stop thinking only about the next election and start thinking about the next generation.
We need leaders who are bold, truthful, and ready to make tough but necessary decisions. We also need citizens who will stay informed, vote wisely, and hold leaders accountable.
Holding on to the Dream of 1960
When Nigeria became independent in 1960, our dream was to be a strong, united, and successful country. That dream is still possible but only if we work for it.
True love for Nigeria is not just about singing the anthem or flying the flag. It means doing your part whether you’re a student, teacher, trader, leader, or worker to make Nigeria better.
As Nigeria turns 65, we must stop asking, “How long have we been independent?” and start asking, “What have we done with our independence?”
Now is not just the time to hope.Now is not just the time to remember.Now is the time to plan together, wisely, and with a clear vision for a better Nigeria.
