Marking Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary Despite Anomalies “a miracle of sorts”: Prelate

Nigeria is passing through one of the most challenging periods since independence in 1960, he notes and urges citizens of the West African nation not to give up on the unity of the country.

The Nigerian Archbishop calls upon those in leadership positions to be proactive in righting the wrongs that have afflicted Nigerians and bring about a country that all would be proud to be associated with.

“We shall thrive and bounce back again only if we are able to address the fact that we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” he says in his 61st Independence Anniversary message to Nigerians signed by the Director of Social Communications in Lagos Archdiocese, Fr. Anthony Godonu.

“We are all aware of the issues that need to be addressed but which the leadership at all levels has not found the will to address,” Archbishop Adewale says, and goes on to highlight challenges bedeviling Nigeria, including “insecurity, ethnicism, the activities of Boko haram and banditry need to be addressed.”

Other issues to be addressed are corruption, unemployment, poverty, and lack of good health care system, he says, adding that religious bigotry and fanaticism are other challenges leading to the “disintegration of the country.”

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“We must be brave enough to confront the reality with honesty and objectivity or else we risk the disintegration of the country; God forbid!” says the Archbishop in his September 29 message.

“Evil is thriving in our land because most of those in positions of leadership and majority of the followers over the years have failed to do the needful. And unfortunately, no one is being held accountable,” he notes.

The independence anniversary celebration, the Catholic Archbishop says, presents another opportunity for Nigerians to reason together and face the reality that all is not well with everyone.

“There is a need for discussion and negotiation among the peoples of Nigeria,” says the Local Ordinary of Lagos, and adds, “We can attain the restructuring that would move the country away from the brink of failure that we have found ourselves.”

The Nigerian Archbishop makes reference to the Scriptures saying, “We must therefore continue to ask God in prayers for the unity and prosperity of the country as well as the security of lives and properties of the people.”

“Since all things are possible with God, we are assured that Nigeria will be great again,” Archbishop Adewale says in the report titled, “Independence: We can make Nigeria great again.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.