As we mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary and acknowledge the efforts of our founding fathers and the ever resilient Nigerian people, there is the need to reflect on how we have fared in our quest at nation-building.

It is an established fact that Nigeria has all in takes to become a great nation, given her abundant human and natural resources. Our desire to build a strong and united nation is still a far cry. We are battling with the process of creating a national identity, strengthening institutions, building infrastructure, etc to promote stability, prosperity, and unity.

Colonialism no doubt has its share in our underdevelopment, but the post independence leadership and governance issues are largely responsible for our lacklustre performance, poor global rating, and standing today. Whereas we can not erase history, we have the responsibility to constructively engage the present and build, grow, and develop a Nigeria that will be a force to reckone with on the global stage.

All that is needed to build and make Nigeria great, a Nigeria of our dream, a Nigeria that works for all of us, a Nigeria that will be the pride of the black race is having a visionary, altruistic, and transformational leadership.

May our current leaders embody and play this role, amen!

Senator I. D. Gyang, Esq.

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NIGERIA @ 64, CHALLENGE OF NATION-BUILDING.Senator I. D. Gyang.