Enoch Stephen
As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence anniversary, many citizens are reflecting not just on the years gone by, but on the realities confronting the nation today.
While the milestone should ordinarily symbolize growth, maturity, and progress, Nigerians say the current state of affairs calls for urgent attention to critical issues ranging from healthcare and the economy to politics and governance.
Speaking to Stallion Times on Tuesday, Ayodele Tobi, a pharmacist based in Lagos, said the country’s health sector reflects the broader economic struggles.
“The decline in the value of the naira, inflation, and insecurity have taken a toll on the country,” she added.
With several international pharmaceutical companies exiting Nigeria, she noted that medication scarcity has become a growing problem, particularly for low-income earners battling chronic diseases.
Pharm. Tobi called on the government to prioritize local drug manufacturing.
She added: “It’s time for the government to invest in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on local production of raw materials and drugs.
“This would not only boost our revenue and reduce unemployment but also make medications more accessible and affordable.”
For Her, Nigeria must recognize its potential and make good use of what it has.
Economic hardship is also affecting artisans and small business owners.
Musbahu Saleh, a mechanic and part-time farmer, who resides in Hotoro, Kano highlighted how inflation has destabilized both sectors.
“The increase in prices of spare parts is alarming. Sometimes this cause car owners to suspect that mechanics deliberately increase prices while this isn’t so.
“If the prices of spare parts are stable in the market, it will do u a lot of good, The government should seriously look into price stabilization.
“As a farmer, the prices of food is dropping while the cost of fertilizer keeps rising. This is discouraging,” he said,
He urged the government to find a way to stabilize commodity prices, describing the current situation as unpredictable.
Beyond the economy, citizens are also worried about fairness in governance and opportunities. Shafiu Abubakar, an electrician, who also resides in Hotoro lamented the role of politics in everyday life.
“Even in looking for jobs, if you are not aligned to a political party, you might not get it,” he said.
According to him, the culture of favoritism frustrates the youth so much and sometimes pushes many young people into social vices.
“The Tinubu administration should ensure that people get jobs no matter their political affiliation. This country has to be fixed,” he said.
Nafisa Ahouza, a civil servant in Kano compared Nigeria at 65 to an adult toddler still trying to find his footing.
She argued that the responsibility for rebuilding Nigeria should not rest solely on government.
“Rebuilding Nigeria starts from us as individuals by asking “what can I do in my own immediate community to make it better?” she said.
For Nafisa, the key to Nigeria’s rebirth lies in citizens embracing determination and zeal.
“With collective effort, a rebranded Nigeria where everything works for its citizens is possible,” she pointed out.
Faruk Iliya, an agriculturist based in Ikom, Cross River, said Nigeria’s agriculture holds great potential but continues to face persistent challenges.
“Insecurity, poor inputs, and lack of infrastructure keep farmers struggling,” he said.
He stressed the need for deliberate investments in irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, and affordable credit to restore confidence in farming.
“Policies must promote mechanization, climate-smart practices, and youth participation,” Faruk explained.
At 65, he believes Nigeria must reposition agriculture as the backbone of its economy.
“Agriculture should be treated as agribusiness, capable of creating jobs and wealth. When farmers thrive, Nigeria thrives,” he emphasized.
