Twelve years ago, on this very day, I had the honor of addressing the Nigerian community in Finland during the era of Nigeria’s rebranding campaign, championed by the late Dora Akunyili. In my speech, I urged fellow Nigerians in the diaspora—those of us who have experienced both Nigeria and life abroad—to leverage our wealth of knowledge and experiences to support the government in reshaping our nation’s image. Back then, we were filled with optimism, discussing ways to bring our expertise and resources back home. We promoted the philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo,” encouraging Nigerians to invest in their homeland and uplift their communities out of poverty.
Fast forward 12 years, and it’s disheartening to see how much has changed. The system, which once inspired hope, seems to have collapsed under the weight of insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement. It is now nearly impossible to advocate for investment back home when the environment has become so hostile—rampant insecurity, unchecked inflation, and reckless government policies have brought the country to its knees.
Many Nigerians in the diaspora, who once had dreams of returning home to make a difference, have vowed never to return. The rise in kidnappings, the killing of innocent citizens, and the excessive borrowing by the government have created a climate of fear and despair. Worse still, many of our compatriots abroad have contributed to the dire state of affairs. During elections, tribalism and sectionalism are championed over unity and progress. Youth, who should be the torchbearers of change, often vote based on short-term gains rather than long-term vision.
Some of us in the diaspora have also, consciously or unconsciously, fueled instability in various regions. From supporting sit-at-home protests to engaging in practices that undermine national security, we have played a part in deepening the crisis. How did we get here, and more importantly, how do we find our way back?
One of the most troubling aspects of Nigeria’s current state is the government’s misplaced priorities. Rather than addressing the urgent and critical challenges facing the country, we see a focus on trivial matters while the nation’s foundation crumbles. In nearly every sector, it’s hard to find an area where we can confidently say we are thriving. When we compare ourselves to other nations that gained independence around the same time, it is painfully clear that we are lagging far behind.
And yet, in the midst of this, I still hold on to hope. I wish Nigeria a happy 64th Independence Day, not because we are where we should be, but because I believe that, despite everything, there remains the potential for change. The road ahead is long, and the challenges are immense, but I trust that one day we will find our way back on course.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. May the future bring better days. @highlight @followers #ACIOTruth #Codewit
