Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
As Nigeria marks sixty-five years of independence, this anniversary offers not merely a ceremonial pause but an invitation to re-examine the trajectory of our nationhood. The history of every great nation is defined by moments of introspection — moments when societies pause to ask difficult but necessary questions about who they are, what they have become, and where they must go.
Nigeria’s journey has been a paradox of potential and pain. We are a nation blessed beyond measure — rich in human capacity, endowed with natural resources, and strategically positioned in Africa’s political and economic landscape. Yet, despite these blessings, the full promise of independence remains largely unfulfilled.
We stand today two years away from another national election. Beyond the politics of power and personality, this moment demands that we confront the deeper question: Have we truly built a nation anchored on justice, security, and collective progress?
The Crisis of Misguided Priorities
Over the decades, successive administrations have often prioritized immediate political gains over enduring national reforms. Our attention has been drawn more to preserving positions than transforming systems. We have built structures without strengthening institutions, and pursued projects without grounding them in long-term strategy.
This misalignment has produced a society struggling with insecurity, economic fragility, declining trust in governance, and a moral deficit in public leadership. The erosion of values such as integrity, discipline, and accountability has left many citizens disillusioned. When security collapses, when education deteriorates, and when institutions are manipulated rather than strengthened, development becomes a mere aspiration.
The Imperative of Security and Justice
A secure nation is not defined solely by its armed forces, but by the justice that sustains peace. As long as inequality thrives and corruption undermines fairness, insecurity will persist. The rule of law must be seen not as an abstract doctrine, but as a living social contract that protects every citizen, regardless of class or creed.
Justice, in this sense, is developmental — it provides the foundation upon which social trust and economic productivity can flourish. Without it, reform efforts will continue to falter.
The Role of Leadership and Citizen Agency
At sixty-five, Nigeria needs leadership that is both visionary and pragmatic — leadership that understands governance as stewardship, not privilege. The scholar-practitioner recognizes that leadership renewal must be accompanied by institutional reform. True leaders are those who can bridge the gap between aspiration and action, understanding that policy must translate into tangible impact.
Yet, the burden of nation-building does not rest solely on the government. Citizens, too, must rise above apathy and ethnic fixation to demand accountability and participate actively in governance. The next election must not be treated as a political ritual, but as a referendum on our collective will to rebuild.
Charting a Path Forward
For Nigeria to move from potential to performance, specific strategic shifts are essential:
1. Repositioning security as a developmental priority, not a political slogan.
2. Reforming education to prepare citizens for the innovation-driven global economy.
3. Diversifying the economy through local production and technological investment.
4. Restoring ethical leadership across all sectors — public and private alike.
5. Reinforcing national unity through equitable inclusion and dialogue.
These are not theoretical ideals; they are practical imperatives that demand courage, coherence, and continuity.
Conclusion: Toward a Purposeful Future
At sixty-five, Nigeria must rediscover its moral and intellectual compass. The path forward requires a balance between scholarship and practice — between thought and action. We must learn from history without being imprisoned by it, and act today with a sense of duty to future generations.
The measure of our progress will not be found in the monuments we build, but in the values we sustain, the institutions we strengthen, and the trust we restore.
Nigeria’s renewal begins not in the corridors of power, but in the conscience of every citizen who still believes that this nation can rise beyond its challenges and become what it was destined to be — a beacon of hope, leadership, and resilience in Africa and the world.
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Courtesy of MEFoundation