Lawyer and public affairs commentator, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has urged Nigeria to have a sober reflection as the country clocks 65 years of independence.
In a statement in Calabar, Ahiakwo stressed that the nation must embrace rebirth through inclusivity, credible elections, and innovation.
He said Nigeria’s story since 1960 has been one of resilience and sacrifice, but also of missed opportunities, noting that despite lofty blueprints such as Vision 2010 and others, many ended in history’s dustbin while poverty and unemployment deepened.
He argued that leadership often failed expectations, weakened by corruption, self-interest, and flawed elections.
According to him, true nationhood will only come when governance reflects the people’s aspirations.
“The destiny of Nigeria does not rest in government alone but in the hands of every citizen,” he said, insisting that nation-building requires sacrifice, morality, and accountability.
He added that leadership must be treated as a sacred trust built on integrity.
Ahiakwo urged government to prioritize inclusivity, saying marginalization breeds resentment while inclusivity fosters trust and unity.
He also called for credible polls anchored on technology to ensure that votes truly count.
He stressed the need for civic education and mentorship to prepare the younger generation.
Ahiakwo stated that Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil, pointing to youths’ creativity in financial technology (fintech), entertainment, and digital entrepreneurship as evidence that innovation will shape prosperity.
The lawyer further emphasized national values of unity and service, recalling that despite their differences, Nigeria’s early nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa shared a vision of a united, prosperous Nigeria.
At 65, he maintained, the country must secure its future by strengthening institutions, diversifying the economy, and ensuring accountability. “The ballot may elect leaders, but only character can sustain them,” he warned.
Declaring that Nigeria’s rebirth is both urgent and necessary, Ahiakwo said posterity will judge the nation not by its problems but by the courage of its response. “At 65, the question is not whether Nigeria will rise, but whether we will choose to rise together,” he added.
