As the nation marks another independence anniversary, a chorus of analysts and citizens ask not just ‘How far?’ but ‘What next?’
By Mohammed Baba Yahaya
Today, Nigeria clocks 65 years as a sovereign nation. The air is thick with the familiar trappings of the season: flags are hoisted, speeches are delivered, and a national holiday is observed. Yet, beneath the ceremonial veneer lies a nation engaged in a profound and sobering introspection—a collective questioning of the distance between its founding dreams and its present reality.
The founding vision, etched in the hopes of its founding fathers and the lyrics of its anthems, was one of unity, prosperity, and justice. Sixty-five years on, the verdict on progress is a complex and troubling one.
“Nigeria is a nation of immense potential trapped in a reality of profound challenges,” summarizes a recent civic analysis. “We are far from achieving our core dreams of unity, security, and shared prosperity.”
The evidence is stark. A debilitating multi-front security crisis—from insurgency to banditry and kidnapping—has made the safety of life and property a primary concern for millions. The economy, Africa’s largest, is hobbled by inflation, a weak currency, and an over-reliance on oil, leaving over 133 million citizens in multidimensional poverty. Ethnic and religious fault lines appear more pronounced than ever, testing the very fabric of “One Nigeria.”
“The dream of a truly unified nation feels more distant now than in the early post-independence years,” the analysis notes, pointing to persistent agitations and widespread distrust.
A Call to Active Citizenship
Yet, amidst the grim assessment, a clear and powerful message is emerging from thought leaders and civil society: the era of passive complaint must end. The path to redemption requires a fundamental shift from being spectators to active patriots.
“Being a patriot is not about blind allegiance to the government,” the analysis stresses. “It is about a fierce, constructive, and unwavering commitment to your fellow citizens and the idea of what Nigeria can be.”
This call to action is framed across three levels:
• The Personal: Patriots are urged to embody the change they seek—embracing personal integrity, rejecting corruption in their daily lives, championing excellence in their professions, and fostering unity in their interactions.
• The Community: The most potent arena for change is our immediate environment. Citizens are called to join community development associations, mentor the youth, hold local government officials accountable, and participate in community policing initiatives.
• The National: This requires a proactive engagement with the political process that goes beyond merely voting. Experts argue that citizens must get involved in party primaries, support credible candidates, and even run for office themselves to change the system from within.
Shifting the National Conversation
Crucially, this new patriotism demands a mindset shift: from blaming a faceless “them” to asking “what can we do?”. It requires a move from short-term thinking to a long-term commitment to rebuilding, and from politics based on ethnic sentiment to choices made on competence and policy.
“Our patriotic duty is a contract we sign with the future,” the civic report concludes. “To build with our hands what we dream of in our hearts… The dream will not be achieved by one hero, but by millions of us, doing our part, in our spheres of influence, every single day.”
As the anniversary speeches fade, the real work for every Nigerian who dreams of a better nation begins. The dream at 65 may be deferred, but for a growing number, it is a dream they are determined to reclaim.