Veteran journalist and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has said that despite decades of political, economic, and social turbulence, Nigeria has sustained its national unity and made steady progress over the past 65 years.
Speaking on “Nigeria at 65: Major Gains of Nationhood” during ADBN Television’s Morning Express programme, Ifeajika described Nigeria’s post-independence journey as a story of resilience, self-correction, and unwavering determination.
He noted that the nation had managed to stay united in the face of challenges that could have led to disintegration.
“As a nation, for 65 years, fundamentally, we have found our balance. Despite the civil war, ethnic tensions, and political instability, we overcame those challenges and continued as one united country. That in itself is a major achievement,” he said.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s economic growth and educational development have not kept pace with expectations, Ifeajika commended Nigerians for their indomitable spirit and determination to progress.
He lamented the decline in scholarship opportunities that once existed in the early post-independence years, when governments at various levels prioritized education and sent students abroad for studies.
“In those days, scholarships were available not just at the federal level but also from the states. Those opportunities are rare today,” he observed.
“Our population has grown to over 232 million, yet the rate of educational investment and job creation has not matched that growth,” he added.
On the economy, the veteran journalist noted that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has expanded over the decades, but emphasized that inclusive growth remains elusive. He called for targeted youth empowerment programmes, stressing that the country’s future rests on the potential of its young population.
“The strength of this country lies in its youth. The bulk of our population is youthful. We must intentionally empower them through education, training, and entrepreneurship support,” he said.
Citing Delta State as an example, Ifeajika praised the state government’s deliberate investment in youth development through training, grants, and tools for self-reliance.
“In Delta, there is a deliberate culture of developing young people, training them, encouraging self-employment, and supporting them with grants to start small businesses. That’s the direction every government should go,” he stated.
He, however, cautioned against blaming unemployment solely on government, explaining that population growth and global economic trends also play significant roles.
“Unemployment isn’t just about government inefficiency. It’s also about population explosion; more people graduate every year than the economy can immediately absorb,” he explained.
Ifeajika also commended Nigerian youths excelling globally in entertainment, technology, and the creative industries, saying their achievements reflect the country’s boundless potential.
“Our youths are making us proud in Nollywood, Afrobeats, and tech startups. These are young Nigerians succeeding without waiting for government jobs. That’s the spirit we must nurture,” he said.
He further advocated for true federalism as a pathway to sustainable national development, insisting that states should have greater autonomy to harness their resources and grow at their own pace.
“If states are allowed to develop based on their resources and capacity, Nigeria will thrive even more. True federalism will unleash the nation’s full potential,” he emphasized.
Concluding, Ifeajika urged Nigerians to use the country’s 65th independence anniversary as a period of sober reflection and renewed commitment to unity and nation-building.
“We have survived many storms as a people. Now we must strengthen our institutions, empower our youth, and embrace true federalism. That’s the only way we can truly fulfill the promise of our nationhood,” he said.
