Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation
Today, Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Day. The day calls for deep reflection and an opportunity for Nigerians to look inward toward nation-building.
With the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” the message is clear: it emphasizes the need for unity, collaboration, and patriotism among all sectors and the citizenry toward building a nation characterized by sustainable peace, prosperity, and progress.
The Nigeria we dream of cannot be built by the government alone; rather, it requires the commitment of all to make Nigeria great again.
The Silent Voices: Children and the Future
Children are the present and future of any nation, and every policy or decision affects the lives of its youngest citizens. At 65, Nigeria’s progress will not only be measured by infrastructure or economic growth but also by its impact on the lives of children.
Can the nation’s children achieve their dreams? Do they have food, or do some still go to bed hungry? Are they living in fear due to violence? Or are they neglected by the very leaders who should prioritize their well-being?
In schools across the country, students stand as living reminders of Nigeria’s promise. For them, Independence Day is far more than just flags and a public holiday; it is about being prepared for the future.
Is the universal basic education scheme truly working, or is it still a promise on paper? Do children have access to books and classrooms that are conducive to learning? Can their parents afford to feed them? Are they safe walking to and from school?
If the Independence Day theme, “All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” is to hold meaning, then leaders, who are the hands meant to lift children out of poverty, protect them from harm, and prepare them for leadership, must rise to their responsibilities.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
As we celebrate Independence Day, the responsibility of building a greater Nigeria must be seen as the collective duty of everyone:
- Families are the bedrock of society and must instill values of honesty, respect, and hard work, preparing children to lead with integrity.
- Communities should work together with the appropriate authorities to create safe environments where children can grow and thrive without fear.
- Leaders must remember that they are called to serve the people, not to enrich themselves. Every budget, policy, or reform must be directed toward the betterment of the masses, especially the nation’s youngest citizens.
Investing in the Next Generation
If Nigeria is to rise again, then investing in its children must be central to the national agenda. This means strengthening education, expanding healthcare access, and creating economic opportunities for parents so that families can flourish.
When children are healthy, educated, and their well-being is prioritized, the foundation for a greater nation is laid.
Conclusion
Any man at 65 is considered an elder. Likewise, at 65, Nigeria stands at a moment of maturity. This Independence Day should not be like previous ones.
It should mark a turning point, when leaders and citizens alike truly join hands to build a nation where children can inherit a better, more prosperous country than their parents knew. That is the true legacy we must give our children on Independence Day.
By putting “all hands on deck,” Nigeria can ensure that independence is not only remembered in history books but lived out daily in the reality of its youngest citizens. A nation that fails its children fails its present and future.
