Mary Akanbi
1st October, 2025
Sixty five years ago, our founding fathers wrestled freedom from colonial rule, giving us the gift of self determination. Their sacrifice deserves remembrance. We must also salute the living nationalist legends who, in their own ways, continue to speak truth to power and labour for a just society.
But let us be honest: Nigeria is how it is today because we, the citizens, have allowed it. Corrupt and undemocratic elements have captured the state, using religion and ethnicity, gifts meant to unite us, as tools to divide and weaken us so they can plunder without resistance. We cannot speak of true independence while our people remain trapped in poverty, insecurity, and despair.
Other nations that started this journey with us, like Singapore and Malaysia, are far ahead. Yet the Nigerian dream is not dead. Its destiny rests in our hands. Now is the time for common sense, for citizens who will not be deceived again by empty promises or divisive rhetoric.
Our leaders must rise above selfish ambition to true nation building. And we, the people, must demand accountability, justice, and vision. Only then can independence become more than a date, only then can it become our reality.
Signed,
✍️
*LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE, SAN, FCIArb(UK)*
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch.
