Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, member representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, has called on Nigerians on the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence to look beyond the horizon to build a formidable nation.
Hon. (Dr.) Adepoju, in his independence day speech, expressed that in the last six decades, Nigeria has witnessed mayriads of coups, ethno-religious conflicts, a three-year civil war, militancy, and insurgency. According to him, the fact that, despite all the challenges, Nigerians still coexist demonstrates the bond the citizens of the most populous African nation share.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character, admitted the state of Nigeria’s economic hardship and security challenges, urging the leadership and citizens of the country to collaborate to have a country that works for all.
Ibarapakan also stressed that regardless of religion, ethnic diversity, or the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria, fundamental and sustainable development is possible if the citizens of the country keep their nose to the grindstone by shaking off the culture of avaricious accumulation of wealth and letting patriotism, fairness, and justice be the guiding principles.
His words: “I congratulate the good people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially the constituents of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North, on the 63rd anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
Over the last six decades of self-government, Nigeria has witnessed mayriads of coups, ethno-religious conflicts, a three-year civil war, militancy, and insurgency. The fact that, despite all these challenges, we still coexist demonstrates the bond we share as citizens of the most populous African nation.
As economic hardship and security challenges hit hard on Nigerians, it is a disservice to the nation to feign ignorance of Nigeria’s economic reality and act as if everything is fine.
Our heroes of the past, the Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro of this world, dreamed of a better country—a nation where milk and honey flow—the cause they put their lives on the line to fight successfully, which eventually resulted in Nigeria becoming an independent state, but it appears that greed, self-aggrandisement, and a lack of equitable distribution of the Nigerian resources have jettisoned the true intention of our nationalists who fought hard for the country’s independence.
As Nelson Mandela famously stated, “It is a long walk to freedom.” Nigeria may have gained political independence from British colonial authority over six decades ago, but we still need all hands on deck to attain actual freedom for ourselves. Socioeconomic and political freedoms are the ultimate indicators of a really independent nation; to declare we are in that position is to talk with tongue in cheek.
Regardless of religion, ethnic diversity, or the heterogeneous nature of our beloved country, we can achieve fundamental and sustainable development if we keep our nose to the grindstone by shaking off the culture of avaricious accumulation of wealth and letting patriotism, fairness, and justice be our watchword.
As leaders, countrymen, and women, we should also be reminded that achieving a better and more prosperous Nigeria is a joint task. Pointing fingers and accusing anyone can only distract from this all-important course. Let us come together with our ideas to build a nation that works for all.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Happy Independence Day.”
