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| Nigeria Independence Day Google Doodle 2014 Image credit: google.com |
On this day in 1960, Nigeria finally gained independence from British Imperial Government. While independence day in other parts of the world is something of a national pride and prestige. But for a typical Nigerian like myself. I have every reason to feel gloomy today.
I feel glommy because, 54years after Independence, it feels like we are still groping in the dark as a nation. The poverty level is still very high. More people still go to bed hungry, feed on less than a dollar a day. Electricity is worse, even after it had been privatized. Permit me to say, it seems like it was sold to cronies. The tarrif system for electricity in the country is so exploitative and expensive. The distribution can be so inefficient, resulting in wastage that could have been avoided.
Public water supply is non existent. And when you make individual effort to sink bore hole to supply water to your household. You face the risk of been taxed or levied by the government in some regions where it is located.
Unemployment still on the rise. I don't believe in our government statistics. They have been made to make the government look good. But the harsh reality that proves it is worse, is written on peoples faces on the streets jobless.
Listen to the news each day and see the countless nigerians making the desperate migration to Europe through the sahara desert and the sea that seperates Europe from Africa. Many never get to their destination. But though few survive the desperate and ill fated journey. The tales are pathetic. Other african countries whose government haved also failed their people through mis-governance, are not exempted from this dangerous journey.
I don't know how much longer I can bear to wait, before I also attempt this ill fated journey myself.
Why take such a risky journey? Because, like countless others, there is no life for me down here in Nigeria. Nothing to live for, nor look forward to.
The rich get richer at the expense of the poor. No thanks to corruption in high places. Every government that comes, tries to out-do the previous government in looting and corruption. They want to gain power at all cost, just for their own selfish and greedy reasons. The needs of the masses isn't important to them.
..to be continued ..
Note: The opinions and thoughts expressed here are mine, and I take full responsibility. Except where explicitly stated otherwise.