Stakeholders decry missed opportunities as Nigeria marks 65 years

Stakeholders decry missed opportunities as Nigeria marks 65 years

As Nigeria commemorates 65 years of independence from British colonial rule today, stakeholders and experts across various sectors have decried the nation’s wasted opportunities, missed chances, and unfulfilled potential.

From an unstable economy to a deepening housing deficit, declining education standards, poor service delivery across the executive, legislature, and judiciary, stagnant growth in the aviation industry, and lingering gaps in electoral reforms, many believe the country remains stuck at the starting line of its developmental journey even after six and a half decades of nationhood.

These growing concerns have drawn the attention of key stakeholders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent leaders, who have chosen to initiate a national dialogue on electoral reforms to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary.

The former Nigerian President is leading other prominent leaders to discuss the issues of electoral reforms on Wednesday (today), in a one-day dialogue to commemorate the nation’s 65th independence.

According to documents made public by the organisers, the gathering, being convened in Abuja, will hold under the auspices of the National Consultative Front (NCF) and the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF). It was stated that the gathering is a prelude to the launch of an Electoral Reform Movement ahead of the 2027 elections. A release on behalf of the conveners by Mallam Hamisu San Turaki said that the theme of the event is ‘National Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Critical Electoral Reforms’, adding that the gathering was being held in partnership with the Nigeria Electoral Reforms Coalition (NERCO) and the Partners for Electoral Reforms.

The statement also listed former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as well as notable figures including Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Professor Pat Utomi, Comrade Joe Ajaero  Dr Usman Bugaje, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, Comrade Festus Osifo, Alhaji Yusuf Mamma Dantalle, Chief Raph Okey Nwosu, Engineer Buba Galadima, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Hon Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Comrade Isa Aremu, Barr Eze Onyekpere as key actors in the dialogue.

Others also listed include the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, his counterpart in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, as well as Mallam Bala Mohammed, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Dr Gbenga Olawepo,  Dr Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, Prince Wole Adebayo, Esq, Amb. Abayomi Rotimi Mighty and Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.

While the statement listed Prof Anthony Kila, Barr. Clem Nwankwo, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Ene Obi and Mr Samson  Itodo, as facilitators, it also named Prof Utomi, Dr Tafawa Balewa, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Ezenwa Nwagu, Chinedu Oaks Ukpola, Mallam Naseer Kura, and Prince Chris Azor, as coordinators.

Appraising the nation’s predicament at 65, the General Secretary of The Yoruba Initiative, Dr. Femi Adefemiwa, said that the country faces a choice to either remain trapped in wasted opportunities or summon the courage to build a new future.

He said: “The truth must be told; we have missed, even squandered, golden opportunities.

With the natural resources at our disposal, a vibrant population, strategic geography, and the ingenuity of our people, Nigeria should today be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and Brazil. Instead, poor leadership, military dictatorship, corruption, misdirected militancy, religious extremism, ethnic rivalries, and narrow nationalism have held us back.

“We are a giant blessed beyond measure, yet one that has often stumbled under the weight of our own contradictions. Still, it is not all gloom.

The Nigerian spirit is unbreakable. Our young people continue to excel globally in technology, music, sports, and innovation. The Nigerian diaspora remits billions home every year, sustaining families and even propping up the economy.  Our entrepreneurs, despite hostile environments, create value daily. These are signs that the foundation for a new Nigeria is alive and waiting to be built upon.

“To get there, we must face hard truths. Restructuring is not just a slogan; it is the key to healing old wounds and calming the loud chorus of dissent. Every group deserves to feel a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project. An inclusive democracy is not optional—it is the only way

“Equally important is the urgent need to fix our economy. Drawing from Marxist theory’s base and superstructure concept, we are reminded that society is built on its economic foundation. Without jobs, industry, and productivity, no nation can truly prosper. Nigeria must break free from overdependence on oil and instead unlock the vast potential of agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. A strong and functional economy will reduce unemployment, uplift communities, and restore dignity to our people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed intent to address some of these challenges, but intent must be matched with results. Achieving this will require not only the cooperation of the National Assembly but also the active involvement of citizens. Nigerians must hold leaders accountable, support genuine reforms, and resist the divisions of ethnicity and religion that have long hindered progress.

At 65, Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads: continue in the cycle of wasted opportunities, or summon the courage to chart a new path. The Yoruba Initiative firmly believes that a better Nigeria is possible. We offer our encouragement, our partnership, and our commitment to the noble cause of national renewal.

May the coming decade not be marked by more regrets, but by the birth of the Nigeria we have always envisioned.”