Reflections on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary
Dr. Rotimi Olulana, a former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, shares his insights on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the country’s journey to nationhood, and the challenges faced over the years. In an interview, he reflects on the gains and losses, as well as the current state of leadership in the country.
A Personal Connection to Independence
For Dr. Olulana, the anniversary holds a special significance. “I was born on October 1, 1960, which is the day Nigeria gained its independence,” he says. This personal connection makes the celebration more than just a national event—it’s a moment of reflection for him. He expresses gratitude to God for allowing him to witness this milestone and encourages all Nigerians to take pride in their shared history.
He acknowledges the turbulent journey the country has experienced, from military rule to civilian governance. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he says, emphasizing that progress is a gradual process. He highlights key leaders who have shaped Nigeria’s history, including General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Muhammed, and General Olusegun Obasanjo. Each of these leaders, he believes, contributed to the development of the nation in their own way.
Educational Gains and Challenges
One of the significant achievements since independence, according to Dr. Olulana, is the advancement of education. He credits Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s government in the Western Region for introducing free, quality education, which had a lasting impact on the region. “That system of education laid the foundation for many of us,” he explains. The legacy of this initiative can still be seen today, with the Western Region continuing to lead in educational advancements.
However, he also points out that despite these gains, there are areas where Nigeria has not met expectations. “We have not been able to make the solid achievements we should have,” he admits. But he quickly clarifies that this is not due to the failures of Nigerian leadership alone.
Colonial Influence and Its Legacy
Dr. Olulana attributes part of the problem to the colonial masters who brought about independence. “They programmed the system to ensure that educated and enlightened individuals did not take control of the country,” he argues. According to him, the colonial powers were more interested in exploiting Africa’s resources than in fostering genuine development.
He notes that even after independence, the influence of colonial systems persists. “Indirectly, it is still going on,” he says, pointing to countries like Niger, where former colonies continue to struggle with underdevelopment. “If we could break free from these old systems, I believe we could achieve tremendous progress,” he adds.
The Role of Leadership
When asked whether the issue lies in the system of government or in the leaders themselves, Dr. Olulana is clear: “It is not the system; it is the people in power.” He emphasizes that dishonesty and selfishness among leaders have hindered progress. “If you are determined to be a committed leader, no one can push you around,” he says. However, he warns that many leaders today are influenced by powerful patrons, leading to mismanagement of resources.
He illustrates this with an example: “If you have N10 billion to spend as a local government chairman, most of it may go to the person who put you in that position.” This, he argues, leaves little for actual development.
The Path Forward
Despite these challenges, Dr. Olulana remains optimistic. He believes that with the right leadership, Nigeria can still attain its potential. “If we have a good president, someone like Chief Awolowo, the country would be better run,” he concludes.
His reflections highlight the complex interplay between history, leadership, and development in Nigeria. As the country continues to navigate its path, the lessons of the past remain crucial in shaping a more prosperous future.
