Political watchers and stakeholders in Abia and Enugu have expressed strong faith in Nigeria, saying the country has the prospects to become a world power.
A cross-section of the people, who spoke on Nigeria @ 61, said although the country had yet to attain its full potential, it could still achieve greatness with the right political leadership.
The people said that what the country needed were selfless and visionary leaders that could harness the abundant human and material resources for economic and infrastructure development.
They blamed the nation’s socio-economic underdevelopment on long years of “inept political leadership and pervasive corruption”.
They were hopeful the present challenges impeding national growth and development could be surmounted, if all hands would be on deck.
Prof. Maduike Ezeibe, the Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University Umudike, said the nation had something good to celebrate, especially for being able to resist forces of disintegration.
Ezeibe said: “At 61, we have not done too badly because we are still one, even when some other countries have disintegrated.
“However, our dependence on crude oil as a major source of income is not healthy. We should be talking about research rather than resource control.”
Also, Rev. Blessed Amalambu, the Secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Abia chapter, blamed the nation’s problem on bad leadership.
Amalambu said : “A man born 61 years ago has come of age but Nigeria’s basic problem is maladministration, coupled with corruption and nepotism.
“Another problem is insecurity. We have never had it so tough in this country.
“Nigeria can be great because we have all that it takes, but we really need to go to the drawing board and do the knitty gritty.”
A schoolteacher in Umuahia, Mrs Lauretta Ibemere, urged the government to work harder towards alleviating the sufferings of the citizenry.
“There is so much hardship and insecurity in our land.
“Nonetheless, I believe that we can be great like other civilised nations, if we can put our house in order,” she said.
In Enugu, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Hycienth Ngwu, described the Nigeria project as “work in progress”.
Ngwu, a former South-East Public Secretary of APC, urged Nigeria and Nigerians to roll out the drums “and celebrate her achievements.
“Let’s celebrate and be happy that our country is 61,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria has made significant progress in many respects compared to many other multi-ethnic nations at 61.
He said: “Our road to sustainable democracy started in just about two decades ago.
“With that, we are beginning to witness sustainable public policies, an ingredient needed for sound economic and social development.
“Also, that has in no small measure contributed to the enthronement and deepening of the protection of human rights.
“Our judiciary and legislature are enjoying their autonomy and separation of power as guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Ngwu further said that the nation had demonstrated greatness in global context, considering its role in international diplomacy and manpower supply to foreign nations and international agencies.
“Nigeria is a leading force in Africa and we are also the big brother of all West African countries.
“Our voice is being reckoned with in international circle.
“Recently, a Nigerian, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was elected the Director-General of World Trade Organisation.
“Another Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, is the President, African Development Bank and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is also a Nigerian.
“Nigerians are among the top richest men in the world today.
“We are among the best sportsmen and women and academics,’’ Ngwu said.
He, however, said that the achievements, notwithstanding, the country was still battling with enormous security challenges, corruption and economic downturn.
Ngwu commended President Mohammadu Buhari for initiating “the most robust poverty alleviation programmes in recent times.
“The nation is witnessing youths’ participation in politics through the enactment of Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act by the present administration.
“Another novel programme in governance in Nigeria is Buhari’s commitment to the completion of projects initiated by the past administrations, thus ensuring continuity in governance,” he said.
