A Call to Action: Fadojoe’s Vision for a Renewed Nigeria on Our 64th Independence Day
Dear Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, I wish you a joyful 64th Independence Day.
This year feels different; it seems many of us have forgotten the significance of this day. Despite our past struggles under colonial rule, our spirits were never as low as they are now.
Over six decades ago, Nigerians were known for our resilience and richness in agriculture, particularly cocoa. We shared a deep sense of community across the nation. The amalgamation of our diverse cultures was a recognition of the greatness that flowed from the Niger to Lagos, Kaduna, and Calabar. Sadly, the bonds that once united us seem to be fraying.
Once, Nigerians moved freely throughout the country, feeling safe enough to sleep under the stars. Now, even in well-secured homes, many live in fear. The line between freedom and imprisonment has blurred under the weight of pervasive insecurity.
Sixty-four years ago, the Naira stood proudly alongside currencies like the Dollar and Pound. Today, it is among the weakest in the world.
We excelled in sports—boxing, wrestling, and football—but have fallen from grace due to ineffective leadership. Education, industry, and a vibrant economy drew people back from abroad; today, that promise feels lost.
Despite being one of the world’s leading oil producers, our nation is now burdened by fuel price hikes, with refineries lying dormant.
Our once-prosperous country has faced a gradual decline, leading many Nigerians into despair and even prompting a rise in suicide rates. The current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exacerbated these challenges, leaving many uncertain about their next meal. Instead of renewed hope, we face heightened hunger and insecurity.
Lawlessness among the privileged few has become rampant, while the masses bear the brunt of the law. The divide-and-rule tactics employed by this government aim to silence dissent, but as hunger deepens, the people will rise, ready to vote out ineffective leaders. Handouts during elections will no longer suffice.
If Nigeria is to reclaim its rightful place among the nations, we must rally together for change in leadership.
I believe we can’t continue down this path. The power of the ballot will enable the masses to reclaim our nation, and I am confident Nigeria can rise again.
God bless you all.
God bless our nation.
Happy Independence Day.
I am Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, known as Fadojoe, Labour Party presidential aspirant and leader of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria (Rescue the Vulnerable Initiative).
