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At sixty-five, most nations would expect to be firmly established, economically robust, socially cohesive, and politically stable. But as Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, the metaphor that lingers is that of a giant that continues to crawl, never quite walking with the confident strides of her size and potential promise.
Nigeria is often described as the “Giant of Africa”, and rightly so. With over 220 million people, abundant natural resources, and some of the most resilient, entrepreneurial citizens in the world, Nigeria’s promise has always been enormous. Yet, six and a half decades after lowering the Union Jack, that promise remains largely unfulfilled. The nation stands today at a crossroads: rich in potential, but poor in execution.
The cracks are visible across every sector. The economy, Africa’s largest, struggles with high inflation, unemployment, and over-dependence on oil. Insecurity has become a national plague, terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, and secessionist agitations in the South-East. Politics, rather than being a marketplace of ideas, remains a battleground of self-interest and elite capture. Infrastructure gaps, epileptic power supply, a broken educational system, and inadequate healthcare facilities further slow down Nigeria’s pace.
Yet, amid these challenges lies an undeniable resilience. Nigerian youths, who form over 60 per cent of the population, are innovating, creating, and pushing boundaries despite the systemic obstacles. From tech hubs in Lagos to the creative pulse of Nollywood and Afrobeats, Nigeria continues to export brilliance to the world. These pockets of excellence are proof that the giant does not lack strength; it simply lacks direction.
At 65, the time for excuses has long passed. Nigeria must choose whether to continue crawling or finally rise to its feet. This requires visionary leadership, courageous reforms, and a renewed social contract with citizens. It requires an honest fight against corruption, investments in human capital, and a deliberate effort to build unity out of diversity.
The truth is stark: Nigeria cannot afford to crawl into her 70s. The next decade must be one of urgency. If we continue at this pace, the weight of unfulfilled promises will crush future generations. But if the giant chooses to rise, it will not only walk, it will run, and the world will have no choice but to reckon with her.
Nigeria at 65 is still a crawling giant. The question is: for how much longer?