When Nigeria got her independence on October 1st 1960, the few Nigerians who were privileged to be alive at that time, looked forward to building a great nation. They dreamt of a Nigeria that will make a mark in the history of our world.
No doubt, a lot of Nigerians that were born much later have dreamt of the opportunity to have been alive during the independence. I personally have thought of the opportunity of living at the same time with the Founding Fathers of our country and how I could have contributed to our growth and development.
Today however, I want to say a big congratulations to those Nigerians that are alive to witness the 55th Independence Anniversary of our great nation. Indeed God is a God of a second chance. That second chance is being offered to all of us today, to start afresh and build the nation of our dream.
Why do I believe that this is a second chance for Nigeria? Why do I believe that the chance we have today is not worse than the one those who were alive at independence had? Most Nigerians would agree that the Nigerian project of the past 55 years failed mainly because of poor leadership. Everything rises and falls on leadership.
That era of leadership failure is now surely coming to an end. I believe that the Almighty God himself has decided to have mercy on Nigeria. It is my firm believe that with this new leadership, Nigeria stands a good chance to forever re-address her point of failure.
I strongly believe in the leadership of Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President. Even more comforting is the process by which our President is selecting his team. The fact that President Buhari is being so meticulous in selecting his ministers and other team members is a testament to the fact that Nigeria is about to come out of the wilderness of leadership failure. I pray God will help him pick the best people for the job.
A popular Russian proverb puts it succinctly; “a fish begins to rot from the head.” In the Nigerian scenario since our leadership, the head of this country is whole and healthy, it indicates a sign of recovery, health and wholesomeness to the entire Nigerian polity.
So congratulations dear Nigerians that we are all alive today. I want to encourage you to revive your faith in a great Nigeria. We stand a better chance today to build a great nation than our forefathers did.
- Today Nigeria is the 7th biggest country in the world by population, 1st in Africa.
- Today Nigeria ranks 6th in agricultural output worldwide and 1st in Africa.
- Nigeria is the 21st largest economy by nominal GDP in the world and 20th by Purchasing Power Parity.
- Our economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. According to Citigroup, Nigeria will record the highest economic growth in the world between now and 2050.
- The Nigerian diaspora has become our second biggest source of foreign exchange with over $20 billion USD yearly remittance to Nigeria.
- Nigeria is one of only two African countries among 11 Global Growth Generators countries
In short, what I am trying to say is that our future is bright. In the words of Peter Eigen (Transparency International Germany) “IF NIGERIA DOES NOT SUCCEED WHO ELSE CAN SUCCEED?”
We stand a greater chance today to build a greater Nigeria than at Independence. Let us not miss this opportunity.
Let’s believe in ourselves.
Let’s support our new government
Let’s surprise the world.
Happy Independence beloved Nigeria!!!
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND NATION
By Pastor Sunday Adelaja.
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