Compiled and Edited by Oluwarotimi Olanrewaju
The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State
As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a speech that echoed familiar themes of hope, resilience, and economic reform. His message was one of optimism, focusing on security victories, foreign investments, and youth empowerment. Yet, beneath these promises, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with the harsh realities of poverty, insecurity, and unemployment.
The president highlighted successes in the fight against terrorism, citing over 300 Boko Haram insurgents and bandits defeated. However, while military gains are commendable, they overshadow deeper issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities—core problems that drive insurgency. Without addressing these root causes, the conflict risks becoming a cycle, with new threats emerging as old ones are subdued.
On the economic front, President Tinubu pointed to over $30 billion in foreign direct investments since his administration took office. While these figures indicate potential growth, they remain abstract for the average Nigerian, who continues to struggle with rising prices and a depreciating currency. The removal of tariffs on essential goods such as rice and pharmaceuticals was intended to alleviate financial burdens, but in reality, costs remain prohibitively high. For many, the optimism expressed in the president’s speech feels disconnected from their daily struggles.
Food security was another key promise. Tinubu mentioned plans for mechanised farming and the establishment of a local tractor assembly plant. However, inflation continues to erode incomes, and food prices remain high. The president’s pledge to cultivate 10 million hectares of land is yet to show tangible results, leaving millions still facing hunger.
The energy sector also featured prominently in the speech, with plans to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and revitalize the Port Harcourt refinery. Yet, delays in execution have only increased public frustration. Nigerians continue to face fluctuating fuel prices and unreliable electricity, with the promise of affordable energy still out of reach.
One of the more welcomed parts of Tinubu’s address was the announcement of a National Youth Conference—a 30-day initiative focused on youth engagement. However, the youth have grown weary of empty promises, especially in the face of widespread unemployment and underemployment. What they truly need are real opportunities, not just rhetoric.
Despite the optimistic tone of the speech, President Tinubu was notably silent on several pressing issues. Corruption, which remains a persistent challenge, was barely mentioned. The high cost of governance, which weighs heavily on the economy, was similarly overlooked. Additionally, there was no mention of the postponed National Population and Housing Census, a critical tool for future planning.
As Nigeria reaches 64 years of independence, the nation stands at a crossroads. The potential for greatness exists, but promises alone will not achieve it. There is a widening gap between rhetoric and reality, and the country’s leadership must bridge this gap with decisive action. The dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who envisioned a united and prosperous nation, feel increasingly distant. Without urgent reform, hope may continue to fade.
Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations have become an annual ritual of unfulfilled promises. The hard truth is that, despite its vast potential, the country remains plagued by broken leadership. Some might argue that Nigeria could have fared better under extended colonial rule, citing examples like South Africa and Hong Kong, where British influence left behind more robust infrastructure and institutions. By contrast, Nigeria was handed over to unprepared leaders in 1960, many of whom became corrupt, leading the country into decay.
While leaders speak of economic growth, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Over 40 million Nigerians are unemployed, industries in the north are collapsing, and the country generates less than 3,000 megawatts of electricity for a population of over 200 million. In comparison, South Africa, with a population of 60 million, generates over 51,000 megawatts. Nigeria’s infrastructure, from roads to schools and hospitals, is in disrepair, yet leaders continue to boast of progress that exists only on paper.
At 64, Nigeria should be a beacon of promise and progress. Instead, the country remains trapped in a cycle of failed leadership and deepening crises. It is time for more than words—it is time for real change. The Nigerian people deserve more than hope; they deserve action.
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