Nigeria at 64: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Fellow Nigerians,

Today marks the 64th anniversary of our great nation’s independence—a day that symbolizes our collective will to chart our own course, define our destiny, and rise as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. It is a day to celebrate our resilience, our diversity, and our indomitable spirit.

However, while we celebrate the milestones we have achieved, we must also reflect deeply on the pressing challenges we face as a nation. Hardship, high unemployment rates, rising inflation, soaring exchange rates, and the high cost of living continue to weigh heavily on the lives of everyday Nigerians.

Words of Encouragement to Nigerians

To every Nigerian feeling the weight of these challenges, I want to remind you that hard times do not last, but strong people do. Our history as a nation is a testament to our ability to weather storms and emerge stronger. This is not the first time we are being tested, and it will not be the last. But each time we rise, we rise more united, more focused, and more determined to overcome.

Unemployment may be high, but our young people remain some of the most entrepreneurial, creative, and innovative in the world. I urge every Nigerian youth to keep pushing, keep innovating, and continue finding ways to add value. Together, we can build industries that will thrive, regardless of the economic climate.

The rising cost of living is a reality we cannot deny, but it should also be a call for us to look inward and harness our local resources. Our agricultural potential, our talents, and our industries are capable of sustaining us if we develop the right frameworks and policies.

Advice to the Government

As we reflect on the state of our nation, I want to offer some counsel to our leaders. Our people are resilient, but resilience must be matched with responsive governance.

Addressing Unemployment: The high unemployment rate, especially among our youth, requires urgent attention. The government must invest in skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Beyond just jobs, we must create an environment that fosters small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing support for young entrepreneurs who are the backbone of any thriving economy.

Stabilizing the Exchange Rate: The fluctuating exchange rate is causing uncertainty in the market and making it difficult for businesses to plan. We need sound economic policies that will restore confidence in our currency and encourage foreign direct investment. The government must take deliberate steps to strengthen the Naira, promote local production, and reduce our reliance on imports.

PMS (Fuel) Costs: The rising cost of PMS (petrol) has affected

transportation, production costs, and the general cost of living. While subsidy removal may be a necessary reform, the government must ensure that any savings from subsidies are reinvested into infrastructure, renewable energy, and social safety nets that will cushion the impact on the most vulnerable Nigerians.

Cost of Living: The rising cost of food, housing, and basic necessities is pushing more Nigerians into poverty. To address this, the government must focus on agriculture and food security, ensuring that our farmers are supported with the right tools and policies to increase food production. Additionally, affordable housing schemes and initiatives that reduce inflationary pressures on essential goods must be a priority.

Harnessing Local Resources: We must shift from being an import-dependent nation to one that thrives on local production. Our land is rich with resources, and we must create an industrial revolution within our borders by supporting local industries, encouraging innovation, and promoting “Made in Nigeria” products.

A Call for Unity and Action

Fellow Nigerians, the road ahead may be long, but we have overcome great odds before, and we can do it again. Our strength lies in our unity, and I encourage us all to rise above the divisions of tribe, religion, and politics. It is in our hands to build the Nigeria we all dream of, a nation where every Nigerian, regardless of background, can thrive and prosper.

To the government, I say: this is the time to act decisively and in the interest of the people. The solutions to our challenges are within reach, but they require bold, courageous, and empathetic leadership.

As we celebrate another year of independence, let us not forget that our greatest resource is our people—their creativity, resilience, and unwavering hope for a better Nigeria. Together, we will rise above these challenges and build the Nigeria of our dreams.

God bless Nigeria.
God bless us all.

Independence Day
Prof. Chris Imumolen
1st October 2024