AS Nigeria marks the golden jubilee of the Independence Anniversary, there is cause for joy by Nigerians and indeed the whole world. We should start by giving praises and expressing our gratitude to the Almighty God for His mercy and for sparing our life and protecting our nation always.
Despite all the good and bad names given to us by foreigners and by ourselves, we are gradually moving to the Promised Land. Most people see us as a rich nation, some see us as friendly, corrupt and as terrorists and what have you. By and large, we are moving gradually to our place of honour, victory, prosperity, luxury, peace and joy. Remember that Rome was not built in a day.
Meanwhile, information has it that many billions of naira have been earmarked for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration. We believe the Planning Committee will organize the celebration in a way that every Nigerian; home and abroad will feel the impact. Also, many Nigerians are suffering and smiling. On this occasion, the Planning Committee should patiently do something worthwhile to put smile on the face of every Nigerian in order to replace their sorrow with joy and smile. Already, some citizens have complained about the many billions of naira voted for the celebration. We should not be too much in a hurry to complain about the huge money voted for the celebration. Suppose for instance, the Planning Committee has included a package of fund to be used as gift or charity to all Nigerians or certain Nigerians who are pitifully suffering and smiling or who deserve sharing in the fund.
Two heads are always better than one. The Planning Committee should try to welcome the advice, suggestions and opinions of the good citizens of Nigeria along with their plans while the media should co-operate to publish the good opinions of the citizens as may be recommended to the Planning Committee. As a Patriot, I’ll like to recommend the following suggestions to the Planning Committee in addition to what they have in stock. In I960, when Nigeria got her independence, workers in the Public Service were put in the Independence Day mood as Government approved immediate funds for them in form of two or three months salary advance to put them in the mood of the celebration. Similarly, for this 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration, I recommend to the Planning Committee that Workers who of-course are the builders of the present nation should be given some money in whatever form to mark the celebration. Also, Senior Citizens (Pensioners) who are the builders of this nation in the past and who have spent the most important part of their life to produce the wealth and resources which the present government is now enjoying or celebrating should share in the largesse of the celebration.
Furthermore, for the citizens to feel the impact or importance and the joy of the celebration, every Nigerian born on 1st October 1960 or 2010 should receive a tangible money or gift. Others include • The best performing Governor during the ongoing administration; •The best 36 performed local Government Council Chairmen in the federation during the current administration; • The best Soccer Player in each state as at 1st October, 2010; • The best Secondary School in each state of Nigeria as at 1st October, 2010; • the best University in the federation as at 1st October, 2010; • Every Nigerian who is 70 years and above as at 1st October, 2010 with proof. One can go on thinking about what is good for Nigerians at home and abroad during this important celebration.
Moreover, it is important that we should not have the impression that the 50th Anniversary is to end specifically on 1st October, 2010. It could take the whole month of October, 2010 for the Planning Committee to complete their work. It is of-course a strenuous job. I wish the members of the Planning committee a nice job and a successful task. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live the celebration Planning Committee!
Oh God, the Creator of heaven and earth especially Nigeria, teach everyone of us to remember daily that one day each person would give an account of his or her stewardship and thereafter spend his or her eternal life somewhere (God’s kingdom or hell). Destroy among us all acts of corruption, hatred, selfishness, injustice and all social vices in the world. Give unto the nation peace, love, mercy and unity. And when your trumpet shall sound and time shall be no more, when life is over and our work on earth is done. When the chosen ones shall gather to their homes beyond the skies, and the roll is called up yonder. By your Grace, O God, let us be there. Amen.
odyoba@gmail.com
