Nigeria At 61: With The Power Of Youths, A Better, Greater Nigeria Achievable- Prof Adeolu Akande
Nigeria At 61: With The Power Of Youths, A Better, Greater Nigeria Achievable- Prof Adeolu Akande.
A Professor of Comparative Politics and Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission(NCC), Adeolu Akande has urged Nigerians and particularly Nigerian youths not to allow the struggles and achievements of the Nation’s past heroes, who themselves were in their youthful years at Independence , fizzle out. Emphasising that youths, and young adults, as the powerhouse of any nation should renew their belief and confidence in a United Nigeria and therefore channel their energy towards building a more prosperous nation.
In a statement released today in Ibadan to mark the 61st anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence; the Governorship aspirant, Akandeh while congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and the ‘GOOD PEOPLE OF OYO STATE’ ,on this historic occasion, alluded to the story
of a country that was born 61 years ago, and like every other country under colonial rule got tired and the people
wanted, demanded their freedom. They wanted to govern their own affairs, after all, they had civilizations worth boasting of before the advent of these colonial masters.
“So a group of people, mainly young adults rose up to the call, each standing up as a voice for their own peoples. Each with their unique voices towards one common goal; freedom. They won!
This historic victory therefore should be sustained in all areas of our national life despite the various socio-economic, political and security challenges we are being confronted with as a country.
“But let me be quick to remind us that this country has also achieved and still achieving a number of strides worth showcasing amongst these is the fact that in August 1963, this country held the first- ever world boxing title event on the continent, in July 1966, the first anglophone independent state in Africa to become an associate member of the European Economic Community. since the 1970’s, the country remains the largest oil and gas producer in Africa and 11th in the world, her ever – resilient, resourceful and intelligent people: first African to receive the nobel prize in literature, the first woman to be crowned Miss World, and in recent times; Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who was appointed the director general of the world trade organization making her the first woman, and first African to head an international organization. Aren’t we proud as people that the only combined heart and kidney specialist in the world is a Nigerian!”
“If nothing, all these with the ongoing monumental infrastructural projects under the administration of our dear President Muhammadu Buhari , and the current exploits by the security apparatus in the sphere of crime eradication and control, therby ensuring that peace returns to the troubled parts of the largest economy in Africa; should restore confidence in all that there is a better future for this country, signposting a chapter in history that will be told to generations to come- that there is indeed strength in unity. “
“On a final note, let me liken our dear country to a marriage of several tribes and civilizations and like any marriage, it has gone through it’s ups and downs, but one thing remains certain, believing that the partners involved in this marriage continue to strive to make it work, not only would it flourish, but it will become an example to other like-marriages. Like any couple who have spent a number of years together would say; 61 years on, forever to go.”
“Happy independence day Nigeria, happy independence day Oyo state, happy independence day fellow Nigerians”, Akande greeted.
