Others feel that a genuine celebration should not be confined to city dwellers, especially the nation’s capital.  There are many basic needs unmet for poor Nigerians across the nation, and it is insensitive to throw away funds in the way it is being done, while the nations till faces such needs.  Others describe Nigeria as a handicapped child who has spent fifty years on this earth crawling without being able to get up on its feet.  In such a situation, they lament, it is unthinkable to celebrate the occasion the way it is being planned.

These are people’s view, however the government is planning a grand celebration regardless.  Previous celebrations used to be marked on independence day only in the states and federal capitals.  This time however, the celebration starts two weeks before the day with various activities.  Conferences, seminars, durbars, parades, and carnivals etc  Planes and helicopters hovering over the city of Abuja have now become commonplace, in preparation for aerial display by the Airforce.

Deep down however, people continue to lament about the sate of the nation’s institutions like hospitals, schools and other basic necessities.  The air is also filled with the upcoming elections.  Campaign flyers and posters  are everywhere.  The papers and other electronic media are  busy introducing and analyzing candidates, as well as reporting on the festivities.  

While there are those who are in festive mood, they are by far less than the critics. The Optimist Voice spoke to one of such complainants.  “Are you not happy that Nigeria has now turned 50 since its attainment of independence, regardless of whatever someone else is doing to mark the celebration?  “Of Course we are happy that our forbearers have seen the need to fight tooth and nail for independence.  But in 50 years has the nation become any wiser.  Just think about our leadership’s take on the issue and you tell me.”

(c) The Optimist Voice. Al rights reserved

 

NIGERIA NEWS

 

Nigeria Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Hadiza Wada, DBA ...September 25, 2010

Nigeria celebrates its 50th anniversary Friday October 1, 2010.  It has been fifty years since native Nigerians took the reigns from the British Colonial government.  Together with many other nations of Africa, Nigeria is marking a half century of self-government.

Nigerian capital city of Abuja is already in the mood for celebrating the 50th Independence anniversary.  For many who know the city well, the congestion plus the colorful attire you see on the streets, especially in the vicinity of Eagle Square reminds you about the upcoming grand celebration pegged for October 1, 2010.

How far has the country come, and is it a journey that has registered impressive milestones to deserve such a flamboyant display?  These are some of the issues people have been discussing across the country. Listening to people on the streets and especially radio talk shows about the celebration, the voice is unanimous “there are better ways to celebrate the occasion without overdoing it especially financially.

Others feel that a genuine celebration should not be confined to city dwellers, especially the nation’s capital.  There are many basic needs unmet for poor Nigerians across the nation, and it is insensitive to throw away funds in the way it is being done, while the nations till faces such needs.  Others describe Nigeria as a handicapped child who has spent fifty years on this earth crawling without being able to get up on its feet.  In such a situation, they lament, it is unthinkable to celebrate the occasion the way it is being planned.

These are people’s view, however the government is planning a grand celebration regardless.  Previous celebrations used to be marked on independence day only in the states and federal capitals.  This time however, the celebration starts two weeks before the day with various activities.  Conferences, seminars, durbars, parades, and carnivals etc  Planes and helicopters hovering over the city of Abuja have now become commonplace, in preparation for aerial display by the Airforce.

Deep down however, people continue to lament about the sate of the nation’s institutions like hospitals, schools and other basic necessities.  The air is also filled with the upcoming elections.  Campaign flyers and posters  are everywhere.  The papers and other electronic media are  busy introducing and analyzing candidates, as well as reporting on the festivities.  

While there are those who are in festive mood, they are by far less than the critics. The Optimist Voice spoke to one of such complainants.  “Are you not happy that Nigeria has now turned 50 since its attainment of independence, regardless of whatever someone else is doing to mark the celebration?  “Of Course we are happy that our forbearers have seen the need to fight tooth and nail for independence.  But in 50 years has the nation become any wiser.  Just think about our leadership’s take on the issue and you tell me.”