As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigerian activist and social commentator, Godwin Offor, has challenged citizens to critically reflect on the country’s journey since independence and ask whether there is enough to celebrate.
Offor, in an Independence Day reflection, said the question of whether there is anything to celebrate should not be interpreted as hatred for Nigeria but as an expression of frustration over the difficulties confronting many citizens.
He pointed to challenges including the rising cost of living, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply and insecurity as issues that continue to affect Nigerians.
According to him, Nigerians should not be expected to celebrate the country’s anniversary by pretending that everything is working perfectly.
However, he stressed that the nation’s challenges should not make citizens dismiss the significance of Nigeria’s independence.
“The truth lies somewhere between celebration and disappointment,” Offor said.
He noted that Nigeria has survived several difficult periods since gaining independence in 1960, including military rule, political crises, economic challenges, civil conflict and periods of insecurity.
Offor also identified the achievements of Nigerians in business, agriculture, technology, medicine, education, entertainment, fashion and other sectors as reasons for hope.
He particularly highlighted the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and young people who continue to create opportunities despite difficult operating conditions.
According to him, Nigeria’s greatest resource is not only its oil, gas and other natural resources, but also its people.
Offor argued that patriotism should not prevent citizens from asking difficult questions about the state of the country.
He questioned why a nation endowed with significant human and natural resources continues to struggle with basic infrastructure, electricity, employment, food production and security.
He maintained that asking such questions should not be viewed as being anti-Nigeria, but rather as an expression of concern for the country’s future.
“A country cannot solve problems it refuses to acknowledge,” he said.
The social commentator called for a shift from anniversary speeches and political slogans to practical measures capable of improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
He said Nigerians need functional institutions, reliable electricity, better roads, quality education, accessible healthcare, improved security and an economy capable of providing meaningful opportunities for citizens.
Offor stressed that the responsibility for building a better Nigeria should not rest solely on the Federal Government.
He said state and local governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and ordinary citizens all have roles to play in national development.
He also urged citizens to reject corruption, violence, destruction of public property and the practice of defending wrongdoing because of political or personal affiliations.
According to him, Nigeria’s anniversary should serve not only as a moment of celebration but also as an opportunity for accountability and reflection.
He said Nigeria’s enormous potential must be matched with effective institutions, discipline, investment, accountability and responsible citizenship.
Offor said Nigerians can celebrate the country’s resilience, its continued existence as a nation and the achievements of citizens at home and abroad.
He also cited businesses that continue to survive, young people gaining education, communities choosing peace and innovators developing solutions to societal problems as examples of progress worth recognising.
However, he warned that celebration should not become an excuse for complacency.
According to him, the more important question for Nigerians should be what must be done differently in the coming years to build a more productive and prosperous country.
He called for greater emphasis on stronger institutions, local production, improved security, reliable infrastructure, quality education, affordable healthcare, job creation and responsible governance.
“Hope must now be accompanied by hard work, accountability and results,” Offor said.
He added that Nigeria’s next chapter should be defined not merely by what citizens celebrate, but by what they collectively build.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The Federal Government has declared October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
