The National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone has congratulated Nigerians, especially the students constituency on the 60th Independence Ceremony of Nigeria.
The association felicitated with the people in a statement issued by its deputy co-ordinator, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman ‘Dan Fodio’ on Friday to commemorate the 60th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
NANS commended Nigerians for their resilience and sacrifice, patience and prayers over the years and wished to express hope that everything will be positive henceforth.
The statement reads in part:
“Our beloved nation is 60 years old today since the inception of self governance, administration and management. Our resources and lives were granted to our leaders to steer the affairs of Nigeria as an independent nation in Africa and the globe.
“On a day like this, the entire demanding students plus hungry masses would expect NANS to come with the line “Happy Independence Day” as usual.
We must understand quite well that our democracy is at the brink of collapse, bastardized; and to this effect we have very little to celebrate.
“Hence, a day of this kind should not be restricted to social enjoyment, celebrations and all sorts of political jamborees alone.
It should drive us back to a round table for critical deliberations and communication. There, valuable brainstorming can be effectively done, problems battling our democracy and independent fished out and realistic remedies be provided.
“We are hopeful that with reconciliation, unity of purpose and ideas, true nationalism and spirits of love and emancipation of the masses; Nigeria shall be great; greater than the United States and other world powerful nations.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. No one person or group of persons is more important or more entitled than the other in this space that we all call home. And we have a responsibility to live in peace and harmony with one another, to seek peaceful and constitutional means of expressing our wishes and desires, and to resist all who might seek to sow confusion and hatred for their own selfish interests.
“As students, we remain optimistic that our generation shall not give up but continue to agitate constructively for new Nigeria of our dream, we hereby call on the Federal Government of Nigeria as a matter of urgency to reconsider the Nigeria Police Bill all in the best interest of development of Nigeria and her citizenry.
“We are optimistic that our dear nation 60th Independent Anniversary Celebration with little or nothing significant to show shall touch the conscience of our leaders and ignite their rethink on need to be more dedicated to nation building than self building as evident in all elites in power who have no confidence in the system they govern.
“Our educational system is now a shadow of the good old days. Obsolete curriculum, dilapidated structures, failed managers and incompetent lecturers have taken our human development for a ride. No nation can grow beyond its educational level.
“In the light of the above, we demand 25% allocation to education in the year 2021 fiscal budget from government at all levels (federal, state and local government). This must be done if our government is sincere about the development of this country.
“Hopefully, Nigeria becomes the world power soon or soonest. As we hope for a world powerful country with strengthened democratic growth, I pray to God of Á luta in his infinite mercy to grant our dear President Muhammadu Buhari the tactics to take Nigeria to a greater height.”
Finally, he emphasised on the need to join millions of Nigerians to celebrate the independence day.
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