63rd Independence Day: Responses Follow Nigeria's 63rd Anniversary Of Independence

Nigerians from all across the federation have continued to respond to the nation's 63rd anniversary of its independence by offering criticism and praise for its progress thus far.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) congratulated Nigerians, saying that "the country's march to greatness is on course, and on an even stronger footing, despite its own share of the challenges of nation building that every society goes through.

"What is certain is that the country has always emerged stronger from any of its challenges and the current ones, whatever their magnitude or shades, will not be an exception," the Governor said in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin, commemorating the 63rd independence anniversary of the country.

"I join Mr. President, the leadership of the other arms of government, and all thought leaders to call on Nigerians to remain united and committed to the collective good. Together, we'll build on the successes of the past years and break new grounds in political maturity and inclusiveness, economic growth, and collective prosperity," the statement added.

Professor Hassan Salihu, a lecturer in the University of Ilorin's Political Science Department, responded by stating that the event is exceptional despite the fact that the nation's accomplishments are not particularly impressive for two main reasons.

Based on its resources, he claimed, the country ought to have boasted more about its accomplishments.

Furthermore, according to Professor Salihu, nations that were decades behind Nigeria in terms of reported levels of progress have subsequently caught up with it.

"Indeed, that our nation has to struggle to be noticed in global affairs, is a sad reminder of how far we have missed our way up the ladder of development.

"There is however a ray of hope in the new government based on the major statements and actions being expected to be taken in changing the narratives about the country.

"President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's government has no choice but to perform as its failure is unthinkable because of the implications for the nation," he added.

Dr. Waheed Balogun of the Federal Polytechnic in Offa also reacted to the 63rd anniversary of independence by expressing conflicted emotions.

"One is pleased with the sovereignty from the hegemony of colonialism.

"Although certain elements of neo- colonialism are still in existence within our economic and cultural circles, on the other hand, one is not excited that Nigeria as a sovereign nation, endowed with unparalleled wealth, in natural and human capital, is still crawling after more than six decades.

Dr Waheed observed that "technologically, we have not gotten to our supposed destination but it is obvious that we have made tremendous progress compared with the pre-independence period."

He posited that, among other things, "there must be a total revamping of her erstwhile exportation capabilities, rejuvenation of the oil and gas sectors by fixing her moribund refineries to their full capacities, and minimization of corruption tendencies" for Nigeria to achieve its natural position within the global community.