Nigeria’s 63rd independence

I grew up not understanding what Independence meant. Of course, I knew the basic story of Nigeria gaining independence in 1960 but, to be honest, it was only in the social science books.

Then, I was old enough to observe the difference between military rule and democracy. We can argue on the effectiveness of democracy but I remember the fear of being ruled by military when I was a child.

In recent years, I was disappointed about the country’s stunted growth. Why couldn’t we be like Singapore, Dubai and other advancing economies? We seem to have all the resources — natural and human. Yet, the best stories we got was “Africa is rising” and “Nigeria is the giant of Africa”. I didn’t realize I was angry until some years ago, the doctor told me my son’s Expected Delivery Date (EDD) was 1st of October and I opposed it! I didn’t want to celebrate his birthday on the same day as Nigeria’s independence. Interestingly, he came almost a month earlier.

This week as I “soaked in” the various speeches from the amazing speakers including Dr. Joe Abah, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Dr. Mo Adefeso- Olateju and others at the Platform organized by The Covenant Nation, I am reminded of several things; every nation has its trials and downtimes. We all have our role to play in nation building and development is a journey. We have to keep working at it!

I will keep playing my part, I hope you will too.

Did you attend the platform this week? Do share insightful learnings and action points from it.

Have a great week!