By: Jabiru Hassan.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) congratulates all Nigerians on the occasion of our nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
October 1st remains a historic reminder of our collective journey since 1960, when Nigeria secured independence from Britain and embarked on the path of self-determination and nationhood.
As a people, we must commend ourselves for sustaining the current democratic dispensation despite daunting challenges. Since independence, Nigeria has recorded remarkable strides: advances in education, growth of indigenous businesses, breakthroughs in arts, culture, music, and sports, as well as Nigeria’s respected voice in international peacekeeping, diplomacy, and the African struggle for liberation and self-rule.
However, while other developed nations have used independence to consolidate good governance, ensure social justice, guarantee security, and expand economic prosperity for their citizens, Nigeria has yet to maximize its full potential.
Our democracy continues to face deep-seated challenges. These include: Insecurity: the inability of government to guarantee the protection of lives and property. Economic hardship: high inflation, rising unemployment, worsening poverty, and a shrinking middle class.
Infrastructure decay: poor roads, inadequate healthcare, unreliable power supply, and limited access to quality public services. Corruption: persistent mismanagement and diversion of public resources by public officials.
CDHR notes that these low points erode public trust in governance and undermine the country’s ability to compete with other nations in today’s global community. We therefore call on the Nigerian government at all levels to: Prioritize security through reform and strengthening of law enforcement agencies. Diversify the economy beyond oil and promote policies that encourage job creation and innovation.
Invest massively in public infrastructure and social welfare systems to reduce poverty and improve citizens’ quality of life. Intensify the fight against corruption by ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Deepen democratic governance by protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening institutions, and guaranteeing justice for all. We also urge citizens to remain resilient, responsible, and active participants in governance, as nation-building requires both government action and people’s support.
Together, we can make Nigeria a country that not only inspires pride among her people but also competes favourably in the comity of nations.
On this Independence Day, CDHR reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the defence of human rights, social justice, and democracy. We believe that with sincerity of purpose, visionary leadership, and collective will, Nigeria will rise to greatness in the years ahead.