By Reno Omokri
In 1960, Abuja did not exist. Not even in the imagination of anyone. Today, this brand-new city on a hill is one of earth’s most beautiful and liveable places.
Sixty-four years ago, Nigeria had less than five universities. Today, we have approximately 300, and every state of the federation has at least one federal university.
From just 2 airports, we now have over 30, along with the second-longest bridge in Africa, the largest refinery on the continent, and the most ambitious and expensive free trade zone in Lekki.
At Independence, Nigeria could not manufacture even bicycles. Today, we have made in Nigeria cars, and I was shocked to my bone marrow to see an Innoson Vehicle when I was in Jamaica two weeks ago.
There is now reverse health tourism to Lagos, and [Abuja] which [are] West Africa’s top destination for health tourism, and the Centre for Excellence has been named the 19th best city in the world to live in, as well as the metropolis with the world’s sixth best nightlife.
The above is why I have very little patience with those who say Nigeria has “declined” or that we have nothing to show for sixty-four years of independence.
Try telling that to Liberia and Sierra Leone, where Nigeria ended decades-long fratricidal wars in the Mano River region and ensured those nations returned to democracy. This path has endured since our intervention.
What about São Tomé and Príncipe? Nigeria restored their democracy in 2003 and returned President Fradique de Menezes to power.
Yes, we do have our challenges, but which nation doesn’t? This is earth, not heaven.
Maybe you have not made progress, but Nigeria has undoubtedly made much progress.
