Hurray, Nigeria is 49
As Nigeria turns 49 today, mixed reactions have continued to pour in from both ordinary and well meaning Nigerians. While some believe that it is a shame that the country has been deviled with corruption, bribery, election frauds, bad leadership and followership.
Others expressed hope and faith in the progress of the country, as they claimed that with time Nigeria will take its rightful place in the comity of all nation.
Reactions:
PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’Adua
‘‘We must see today’s challenges as veritable opportunities waiting to be translated into
stepping stones to an assured destiny of peace, progress, and prosperity for our common
posterity.”
Former General Secretary of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori
“The respect we had when we got our independence instead of building on that reputation
and goodwill, we are declining. But our prayer is that even if we don’t get it now, our children
should get it.”
ANAMBRA State governor, Mr. Peter Obi,
“we have come a long way in the march to nationhood, as the imperatives of peace, unity
and social cohesion have continued to influence citizenship consciousness.”
Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel,
in spite of the failures of the past and the challenges of the present, Nigeria could still
become the land of our dream.
Senate President, David Mark
‘‘At 49, no one can argue that Nigeria has realised its full potential. This notwithstanding, we
have made remarkable strides, especially in our steady march towards democracy and the
rule of law. There are some successes we have to celebrate and consolidate,”
