Nigeria At 54: Actualising Targets

Nigeria is 54 years today as a Sovereign State with a distinct political identity and other symbols of statehood.  It is therefore instructive to venture a self appraisal of the journey of nationhood from October 1, 1960 to date, if for nothing else, to challenge ourselves for greater accomplishments.
The Tide congratulates the Government and People of Nigeria for remaining a United entity in spite of the myriads of divisive political issues that near frequently question our unity, even in diversity.  That was only made possible by the understanding and sacrifices of patriotic Nigerians who in every twist and turn of our national life, contributed to the peace, oneness and indeed development of the country.
It is a fact that the tall dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers have not all been met.  Education still remains a challenge.  Health care delivery still remains shaky.  Infrastructure deficit still stares the nation in the face, while Nigeria still demonstrates greater loyalty to ethnic cleavages and religious movements than they demonstrate to the nation.
Fifty four years after, Nigerians still remain of the poorest countries in the world in spite of the country’s abundant human and natural resources, while politics in the land is still viewed as a war of sorts, with increasing fears that the electorate’s votes may not fully count in the choice of their leaders.
Sad as this commentary of dashed dreams may seem, Nigeria is not a complete failure, if developmental projects showcased during the good governance tour of states of the federation by the Federal Ministry of Information, are any leads to go by.  Commendable efforts have been made to address the power deficit and improve electricity power generation and distribution.