By Valentine Chineto Ozigbo
Today, October 1st, 2024 marks the 64th anniversary of our independence as a nation. Being a significant day in our national history, it must therefore not be mere turn of a calendar page but a day that resonates with the promise of our future, particularly when we reflect on the sacrifices of our founding fathers who laid the foundation upon which we are today.
With the current state of our economy and political environment, it is easy for many Nigerians to become disheartened because of the lack of proper vision and display of unpatriotic leadership at different levels of Nigeria’s governance structure. Indeed, as we mark and celebrate the 64 years of nationhood, we are at a crossroad of reflection and renewal, backed with the hope that things will get better someday.
Therefore, this commemoration of our independence should not only serve as a reminder of our challenges but also as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Nigerians must learn and embrace the act of taking our destiny in our hands.
In this vein, Nigerian Youths must lead and come to terms with the reality that the power to reclaim and reshape our nation lie in their hands. They must take up this task of liberating our country from the shackles of poor leadership. They cannot leave it for any other segment of the society.
We all know that it is not going to be an easy task, but let us draw our strength from the unwavering resolve of our forefathers who fought tirelessly for the sovereignty we now enjoy. We must take our citizenship responsibilities as a clarion call by engaging and participating actively in democratic processes, holding ourselves and our leaders accountable. Our voices, our votes, and our actions are the tools with which we can restore the Nigeria of our dreams, envisioned by our forefathers.
Therefore, for every Nigerian, whether you live in our homeland or in Diaspora, this is not a time to sit on the fence. We must all get involved always and in all ways. Together, let’s get our country working by building strong institutions as against strong individuals as this will see us march forward into a future bright and full of promise.
As we celebrate the 64th anniversary of our togetherness as a nation, I wish above all things that Nigeria of our dreams, where unity, peace, progress and prosperity are entrenched, becomes a reality in no time.
As we mark and celebrate today, may it remind us of our shared heritage and our common destiny, even as we continue to grow in strength and unity, overcoming our challenges and realizing our vast potentials as a nation where no man is oppressed.
Valentine Ozigbo, the former President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transcorp Plc, is Labour Party stalwart and frontline Governorship hopeful in Anambra State
