By Femi Oyelola
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, citizens across the country reflected on the nation’s journey so far. While some people celebrated with great enthusiasm, others used the occasion to introspect and express their concerns about the country’s progress.
Apostle Yakubu Yusuf of the House of Purpose Ministry in Kaduna State noted that at 65, a nation should have made significant progress in all areas. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, he emphasized that anything short of that requires prayers and intercession.
According to him, Nigerians should have been role models to others, especially their children and loved ones, by now.
Imam Abubakar Mahmoud of Malali Layout Central Mosque shared a similar sentiment. He believed that the speed at which the country has been moving in the past 65 years needs to change. According to him, Allah’s intervention is necessary to enable the country to reach its desired destination.
Yusuf Ishaku Goje, Head of Leadership, Governance & Advocacy at CALPED, took a more critical stance. He argued that the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary is a moment for introspection rather than unbridled celebration.
Despite making progress and overcoming significant challenges, the harsh realities facing most Nigerians cannot be ignored.
Goje highlighted that poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity continue to plague the nation. According to him, governments have largely failed to deliver on their primary purpose of providing security and ensuring the welfare of citizens.
The activist urged citizens to interrogate their leadership selection process and demand accountability from their leaders.
Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of Africa Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), shared a similar view. According to him, Nigeria is still at a crossroads, and, unfortunately, the people find themselves in this situation. Atakpu criticized the country’s leadership for failing to provide the right kind of leadership that would advance the prosperity of its people.
The ANEEJ official highlighted the deplorable state of infrastructure, including roads and electricity. He also pointed out that the health sector is in dilapidation, with many healthcare centers in terrible conditions.
Atakpu emphasized that Nigeria needs the right set of leaders to steer the ship of state in the right direction. He also called on citizens to hold the government accountable and demand change.
Hajia Hadiza Umar, Executive Director of Hope For Communities and Children (H4CC), noted that Nigeria’s leaders should prioritize investing in its teeming youth population and education. According to her, this is crucial for the country’s development.
In contrast, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani CON emphasized that the nation’s journey has been defined by resilience and that Nigerians have demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to endure and hope.
The governor urged citizens to work together across communities, faiths, and backgrounds to confront challenges and unlock collective potential.
President Tinubu’s Message
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his national broadcast, declared that the nation had overcome tough challenges, stating, “The worst is over.” He thanked Nigerians for their endurance, highlighting significant economic progress and reforms implemented by his administration.
The Acting Executive Director of Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women, Hannatu Ahuwan, observed that like a 65-year-old looking back on life, Nigerians weigh their gains, losses, regrets, and hopes for the future. What has our path been, and where are we headed? The journey stirs bittersweet memories.
According to her Nigeria’s petroleum wealth, while a blessing, has polluted the Niger Delta’s rivers and farmlands, leaving communities grappling with environmental ruin and broken promises of prosperity.
This “resource curse” fuels inequality and economic dependence, yet it also ignites our resolve to demand accountability and heal our land. Ethnic rivalries, political instability, corruption, and insecurity have challenged our unity and faith in the Nigerian project.
She added Leadership failures and missed opportunities have left many questioning whether the promise of independence has been fulfilled.
Hanatu stressed that despite these challenges, Nigerians have shown remarkable resilience. From the global influence of our arts and sports to the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs and innovators, Nigerians prove time and again that greatness resides within us.
“ Our democracy, though imperfect, has endured coups, civil war, and dictatorship, a testament to the enduring dream of unity and faith. Through every storm, Nigerians stand tall, rebuilding communities, holding fast to family, and persisting in the face of adversity.
“As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Day, the government and citizens alike must work together to rebuild trust, harness our potential, and forge a future worthy of our founders’ dreams.
“ The ongoing constitutional review must address systemic issues like resource control and federalism. The 2027 elections should reflect the true will of the people. We need workable policies, not token gestures, to tackle unemployment and corruption.”
Nigeria’s future looks promising, with various initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.
However, the nation still faces significant challenges. As public commentator Jide Ojo noted, the country’s situation is akin to the popular slang, ‘big-for-nothing’! Six-five years after independence, all development indices are in the negative.
Poverty, unemployment, and the cost of living are on a steady rise. Which way, Nigeria? The answer lies in collective effort and determination to overcome our challenges and realize our full potential.
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th independence anniversary, citizens are hopeful for a brighter future. With collective effort and determination, the country can overcome its challenges and realize its full potential. The nation’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength of its people.
