Nigeria @ 65: A call to collective responsibility
By Olalekan Shoyinka
At 65, our dear nation Nigeria deserves to be celebrated—not just for her age, but for the resilience, strength, and unity that continue to bind us as one people. Truly, Nigeria is a great country, and she will be greater still, if only we, her citizens, rise above the divisions of ethnicity, religion, tribalism, money politics, and blind party loyalty in the choices we make.
As long as we perform our civic duties with sincerity, without favour or sentiments, and with our minds fixed on the legacies we want to leave for the next generation, this nation will surely be better. A question we must always ask ourselves is: “Will my children grow up with the same complaints against the ruling class that I have today?” The answer to that depends on the decisions we make now. We must do the needful today for a brighter tomorrow.
Our democracy is still young and developing. Politicians are evolving with it—but sadly, the masses often hold on to the belief that “nothing can change”. This narrative must stop. Democracy, after all, means “Ijoba Awarawa” — the government of the people — and it must not be left solely in the hands of “Awon Ara Won”. It is our right and responsibility to ask questions, to demand accountability, and to refuse mediocrity.
We must never settle for less by clapping for token donations disguised as empowerment, or by praising projects executed with our commonwealth as if they were favours from politicians’ private purses. Those who throw money and gifts at us during campaigns are not philanthropists — they are merely trying to buy access to our resources. We must see through the deception and safeguard our dignity as a people.
If we play our part right — if we refuse to be bought, if we hold leaders accountable, and if we put Nigeria first — our country will surely be great again. Happy Independence, Nigeria @ 65!
God bless Abeokuta South! God bless Egbaland! God bless Ogun State! God bless Nigeria!
Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka, popularly called Ayinla Egba is Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM), Abeokuta
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