Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State on Thursday in Calabar said Nigeria was yet to achieve economic freedom after 55 years of democratic independence.
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It is a significant commentary on Nigerian independence that a great many people besides the Nigerians have been awaiting it with the greatest impatience throughout a summer that has shaken Africa.
Check out a few of the best responses below and go through the gallery above to read about the key moments that have shaped Nigeria since breaking the chains of colonialism.
“Now we want those documents in our hands so that we can successfully prosecute those that have been stealing Nigeria’s crude”.
The passengers in these vehicles also appear to represent the three major tribes – Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba – respectively, dressed in their native attires and carrying the Nigerian flag, grining and waving as they ride on.
The president noted that Nigeria has all the attributes of a great nation, but acknowledged it had not attained its full potential “because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullest is unity of purpose”. For this, I pay tribute to the manner in which successive British Governments have gradually transferred the burden of responsibility to our shoulders. We have witnessed this year a sea change in our democratic development.
OUR NATIONAL anthem begins with the words: “Arise, O Compatriots”.
Our fellow Nigerians across the world continue to strive to be more in whichever field they choose.
Today, we have with us representatives of those who have made Nigeria: Representatives of the Regional Governments, of former Central Governments, of the Missionary Societies, and of the Banking and Commercial enterprises, and members, both past and present, of the Public Service.
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He said the task of nation building was a collective project of all Nigerians, urging the administration to rally the nation’s human and material resources to promote good governance and development. May God bless you all. But do not mistake our pride for arrogance. We are grateful also to those who have brought modern methods of banking and of commerce, and new industries. People should only fear the consequences of their actions.
