Opinion NIGERIA @66: THE JOURNEY MUST CONTINUE
By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist, Sports Recorder Opinion Desk
As Nigeria marks 66 years of Independence, The Evangelist and Sports Recorder join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in celebrating our nation and, at the same time, reflecting honestly on the journey so far.
Independence should not merely be a date on the calendar. It should be a moment for national introspection. After 66 years, we must continue to ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions: Are we truly overcoming the scourge of poverty? Is electricity becoming sufficiently available and affordable for citizens and businesses? Are our schools producing the quality of human capital required for a modern economy? And, most importantly, are the principles of democracy, accountability, participation, justice, transparency and respect for the people’s mandate being fully practised?
Nigeria has enormous human and natural resources. Our people have demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity and enterprise in virtually every field of human endeavour.
Yet, the reality of widespread economic hardship means that the promise of independence remains unfinished for millions of Nigerians. The rising cost of living, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity and weaknesses in essential public services continue to test the confidence and patience of citizens.
For The Evangelist and Sports Recorder, journalism is not merely a business. It is a national responsibility. Our newspapers were established to give voice to the voiceless, promote accountability, celebrate genuine achievements, expose issues that require attention and contribute constructively to the development of our society.
We acknowledge that these are difficult times for the media. The harsh economic environment has made newspaper production, distribution and digital journalism increasingly expensive. Despite these challenges, we have continued to work.
Unfortunately, in a season when responsible media organisations need meaningful support to sustain their contribution to society, government and politicians have largely failed to provide the partnership and support required.
But we will not surrender our mandate.
The Evangelist and Sports Recorder will continue to contribute to the growth of Nigeria. We will continue to report, question, investigate, educate, encourage and hold leadership accountable while giving recognition to individuals and institutions making positive contributions to our country.
Our message to political leaders is simple: Nigeria needs citizens who believe in the country, but it also needs leadership that believes in its citizens.
Development cannot be measured only by statistics, projects or political speeches. It must ultimately be felt in the homes of ordinary Nigerians, in their ability to afford food, access quality education and healthcare, find productive employment, enjoy reliable electricity and live with dignity and security.
As we celebrate Nigeria @66, let us therefore renew our collective commitment to building a country where democracy works for the people, education opens doors rather than closes them, electricity powers economic opportunity, and prosperity is not reserved for a privileged few.
The journey may be difficult, but Nigeria belongs to all of us.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
The Evangelist Newspaper & Sports Recorder Newspaper
Committed to Journalism. Committed to Nigeria.
