On October 1st, Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary. For many Nigerians, both at home and abroad, it was less a day of celebration and more a day of sober reflection.
A friend in Lagos told me that the mood in the city was solemn. Instead of the usual excitement that accompanies such a milestone, there was a quiet sadness. People carried on with their day, but the weight of the nation’s struggles hung in the air—economic hardship, insecurity, and a general weariness from years of unfulfilled promises.
Still, 65 years is no small feat. It is a reminder of the resilience of a nation that has weathered civil war, military regimes, transitions to democracy, and countless challenges in between. Nigeria is a country of over 200 million people, filled with creativity, energy, and determination. Its music, film, fashion, and literature continue to shape global culture. Its diaspora contributes talent and expertise in communities all over the world.
What this anniversary has shown, however, is that Nigerians are yearning for more than symbolic speeches and parades. They want hope restored, systems that work, and leadership that truly serves the people. Independence should not just be about looking back at how far we’ve come, but also about charting a course toward a better future.
The Republic writes that Nigeria is far away from the ideas and dreams of the founding fathers of the nation. They say that ethnic tensions have trumped any gains made with the 26 years of democracy in the country. “In recent years, Independence Day celebrations have elicited little fanfare. The days of Nigerians donning clothes with shades of green and white in celebration of independence seem to be disappearing, a testament to the lack of interest from Nigerians. While economic factor is a likely reason, the sense of patriotism and nationalism fostered by unity in diversity is seeping away. One cannot deny that ethno-religious tension is fuelling the lack of unity.”
At 65, Nigeria stands at a crossroads—caught between the pain of the present and the promise of what it can still become. The mood may be solemn today, but within that solemnity is a deep love for the country and a determination to keep pushing for a brighter tomorrow.
