Today, Nigeria, the most populous African nation is 64. In 1960 when the British colonial masters finally agreed to let go of one of its most precious and priceless assets, the news sparked widespread and exciting conversations that reverberated across the country’s lengths and breaths.
In that distant past, millions of Nigerians who had witnessed and endured the brutality, rascality, and impunity of colonialism basked in the glow and euphoria of our newfound sovereignty, one that will truly unleash and unlock the greatness and giants within our nation’s nooks and crannies.
By projection and prediction, Nigeria, a resource-rich land was tipped to shine like diamonds and achieve greatness in all spheres. For all its imperfections, Nigeria had the means to dictate the tunes of regional and global power dynamics. Nigeria’s greatness, at a time when United Arab Emirates (UAE) was still a blistering desert, and Singapore was still caught in the cobweb of the Malaysian federation imbroglio, was quite heavenly. Indeed, Nigeria demonstrated that rare trait of greatness in the early stage of its freedom. For instance, it played a pivotal role in the formation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Togo, and was a leading light in the fight against all forms of foreign oppression, domination and subjugation on the continent.
In Angola, Nigeria fought and won against the imperialist and in South Africa, it empowered Blacks against the Apartheid regime – to the chagrin of the West. Undoubtedly and undeniably, Nigeria had more than potential, it had the seeds of greatness in it. All that was required for that greatness to blossom was nurturing. Sadly, for the past 64 years, it has endured various topsy-turvy. Those seeds of greatness have withered. They’ve turned to mustards of poison and toxicity. Perhaps, nothing suggest Nigeria is still a nation that will liberate the black race and take them to the promised land.
For millions of Nigerians, the hope of a nation built on justice and equality has faded and disappeared into the thin air. Whether on the streets or in the creeks, assuring impoverished Nigerians of a better country amid the current wave of turbulence and tumult sounds like a dirge. For sure, many have resigned to fate while others have written off the nation’s prospect. Quite depressingly, palpable pessimism and cynicism have become the staple of most Nigerians. Still, despite its flaws and shortcomings, the nation still commands relative respect particularly as its citizens continue to set the pace and blaze the trail globally. With her challenges and failures, many still believe the country will escape its current trappings and flourish beyond imagination. One of those firm believers in the Nigeria project is Amofin Beulah Adeoye.
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Where others see challenges, he sees opportunities and the chance for growth. He believes Nigeria can rewrite the story of her greatness and that such audacious efforts are only possible when everyone irrespective of the region or religion is brought to the table of discussion and dialogue. He believes Nigeria, particularly Oyo state still has the strong tie to its greatness and that the challenges currently ruffling the feathers of the nation will soon pass. He equally believes the task of rewriting Nigeria’s greatness story requires both individual and collective efforts, one that unite everyone to see beyond ethnic affiliations and religious inclinations.
Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.
