As Nigeria celebrates 57th independence anniversary, caretaker chairman of Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo State, Niyi Adeagbo, has urged Nigerians to be prepared to restructure their minds so as for the country to witness many developments.
According to the security expert in his independence message to the people of Nigeria, genuine restructuring of minds and the restructuring in governance will give birth to a new Nigeria.
Below is the statement:
NIGERIA AT 57 BUT HOW FAR
Greetings to my fellow Nigerians on Independence Day! Every October 1st is an important day for Nigerians as we mark the historic day when sovereignty and the responsibility for our destiny moved from the British crown to the people of Nigeria.
Yes, ‘Transfer of Power’ happened in 1960 but how far has the country moved forward? How well has the country and her people be? These are the two fundamental questions we (the leaders and the citizens) must honestly answer.
From the earliest days of our freedom from the colonial masters, we were blessed with a galaxy of revolutionary leaders who guided our country. Then, efforts of our national heroes are appreciated and celebrated. Sadly,as we attain 57 years, there are no reasons for feasts and rejoice instead here comes an important day of sober reflections for all of us.
This is a day to think where we are standing in the comity of nations. As citizens of Nigeria, we must reflect on the values and principles which were in the minds and hearts of those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. The generation that brought us to freedom was diverse. They were men and women who represented all parts of our country and a variety of political and social thought. We need to draw inspiration from such brave freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed even their lives for the country. We need to invoke the same spirit today in the task of nation building. Honest leadership begets good governance; this (honest leadership) is what is lacking in Nigeria at 57.
There have been tensions and agitations in the land; therefore, the best way to go is for the current and the emerging leaders of our great country to RESTRUCTURE our minds for the sake of a New Nigeria. Genuine restructuring of minds and the restructuring in governance will give birth to a new Nigeria.
A New Nigeria is a Nigeria where each federating unit will control its resources and develop at her pace. The Federal Government is suffocated with too many powers and too many responsibilities whereas good governance is about speed and simplification of processes. We must simplify the current system by devolving powers and responsibilities.
As we celebrate the ONLY the sovereignty and the indivisibility of Nigeria, we in Itesiwaju LGA stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters in the Northern Nigeria. They have suffered a lot due to terrorism.
Here in Itesiwaju LGA, we remained determined to develop the council area, educate our children, increase businesses as well as employ and empower our youths and women.
Long live Nigeria!
God Bless Oyo State!!
Hon. Adeniyi Adeagbo
Caretaker Chairman, Itesiwaju LGA