Nigeria at 60: Remembering what Late Emeka Ojukwu said was his vision of Nigeria

Today, all over Nigeria, the air and moods shows that a great thing happened, and yes, indeed, a great thing happened. Today, Nigeria celebrates her 60 years of Independence, in truth we have come very far, for 60 years of Independence is not a small feat.

So many people in the past had visions of what Nigeria would become in the future, so many people predicted what would become of Nigeria at a time like this. I would take us back to what the Biafran war lord, Late Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, said was his vision for Nigeria.




"I feel proud that I am a Nigerian, for no country in Africa can match the hope which this beloved land of ours gives to the suffering and brutalised Blackman, wherever and in whatever circumstance he finds himself in this world. From the lowest depth to the highest mountain tops, let me proclaim this vision of a new Nigeria.

1) I see a Nigeria in which we all believe in the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the human person; a Nigeria where the willful and wanton destruction of human life is not only an abominable sin, but also a grave crime; a Nigeria where every individual counts, and no one is taken for granted; a Nigeria that upholds the dignity of man.


2) I see a Nigeria which places a high premium on patriotism and Nigerians who have faith and devotion to the fatherland; a Nigeria where every citizen is prepared to work for the nation and to stand up for her.

3) I see a Nigerian where every citizen knows and demands his civil rights, recognises the rights of his fellow citizen, and is prepared to defend them when necessary; a Nigerian where we all stand up for our rights and assist others to secure their rights.

4) I see a Nigeria where sovereignty and power being to the people; a Nigeria where the ruler is servant and the ruled, master; a Nigeria where rulers strive to satisfy the people at all times.

5) I see a Nigeria where those who exercise power are accountant to the people; a Nigeria where public servants accept responsibility for inefficiency and bad advice; a Nigeria where abuse of office is severely punished and ill-gotten gains confiscated.

6) I see a Nigerian clean and peaceful, where children are well-taken care of; where pedestrians have footpaths to walk on and the level of noice reduced, a Nigeria that has rediscovered her gaiety."

Now, go back and take special note of the Nos. 1,3,4 and 5. Ask yourself, have these visions of Late Ojukwu for Nigeria been fulfilled? Have they come to past? Have they manifested? Your answers would determine if our 60 years of Independence has been worthwhile, your answers would determine if we as a country is moving in the right direction.