Nelson Mandella once said “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
This moment, I found myself asking if we should be celebrating that it’s been 60 year we gained independence from colonial Master or we should be weeping that we have modernized and upgraded our slavery to the chains of our political misfortunes.
With mixed feelings do I write to state that this is a time that calls for sober reflection on how the nation has fared for the past 60 year rather than jamborees that only shows how blinded we are to our challenges
Contrary to our acclaimed recognition as the giant of Africa, we seem to have lost touch of the beautiful memories that won us such accolade.
Nigeria is now a shadow of herself, her children keeps growing to the tale of how Nigeria USED to be great and how one dollar was equal to one naira, yet day by day we keep falling deep into the mystical slavery that holds up bound
It’s been 60 years of battle of pride for a falling giant, sleeping with a loud snore, 60 years of retrogression, unending fight against corruption, wasteful use of both natural and human resources, political instability, ethnic and tribal disparities.
The time is now to put an end to the decay in our societal values which keeps making it difficult for young Nigerians to see hope in this country
The time is come for a new Nigeria to emerge like the Phoenix from its ashes
This is the time for a new order to begin towards building the rise of the greatest black country in the world not just on papers but in reality
This is a time to make the NEXT 60 YEARS TO BE A WALK TO TOTAL FREEDOM
Lawal G. Olamilekan is a social entrepreneur, life coach and social development professional with focus on youth development and participation in governance. He is the director of Social Impact and Integrity for Development in Africa, a youth led not for profit organization established to raise the voices of young Africans against corruption. He can be reached via Email: lawalolamilekan2012@gmail.com, Facebook and LinkedIn: @lawalgolamilekan, Instagram: @LifeWithLawal.i and Twitter: @LifeWithLawal