The founder, OAU Foundation, and an Abia State Governorship aspirant, Onyekwere Akym Uche, has joined other well meaning Nigerians to celebrate the 61^st independence of the Nation.

In his goodwill message, Uche described October 1^st as a special day in the history of Nigeria, adding that independence day, “does not only represent the creation of a nation, but the creation of a new civilization, founded on the principles of freedom, self-government and equality irrespective of ethnicity, religion and/or gender.” He further state that Corruption and bad leadership has ruined a country that once was referred to as the “Giant of Africa”.

He charged Nigerians to embrace unity and keep Faith in God.

OAU wrote;

My fellow Nigerians, today marks a very special day in the history of Nigeria as a nation. Today, we mark our independence having been colonized by the British and gaining independence in 1960. Nigeria is 61 years old as a nation blessed with multiple ethnicity and religion. Nigeria is divided into six Geographical regions which are South East, South South, South West, North East, North Central and the North West.

Nigeria went through her own turbulence due to ethnic differences and socio-political beliefs which caused the civil war of 1967-1970. Most part of our existence as a nation after the civil war were ruled by the military. Totalitarianism and Tyranny was the order of the day, the slough of brutal force was entirely cast into the system to deprive the elementary principle of a civil society in which conquest and servitude had a part. After the civil war, Nigeria has not been living up to its founding principles of one nation, one people and one goal.

This day does not only represent the creation of a nation, but the creation of a new civilization, one founded on the principles of freedom, self-government and equality irrespective of ethnicity, religion and/or gender. We hold this annual celebration to remind ourselves that all men are created equal and as Nigerians we owe each other that duty of oneness, peace, unity, love and tranquility. Our fore fathers cleverly crafted Nigeria in a way that each region was represented. Nigeria became a republic in 1963, where Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was the president and Sir Tafawa Balewa was the prime minister, power was shared between the South and the North.

Nigeria today has fallen short of her might and potential. Corruption and bad leadership has ruined a country that once was referred to as the “Giant of Africa”. Nigeria has suffered multiple recession, which are man-made caused by corruption, bad leadership, religious wars, poverty, political class manipulation, aftermath of military rule, greed and insensitivity of the elite class etc. Our naira currency is no match for the dollar or pound causing economic hardship. Insecurity and destabilization has made businesses and manufacturers to move out of Nigeria and set up companies in neighboring countries within Africa. The current administration doesn’t have a clue on how to resolve the problems facing Nigeria. Millions of naira was spent on propaganda and media trying to promote the administrators. Nigeria is a failed state and we cannot let that continue for the sake of our children and unborn generation.The answer to the problems facing Nigeria is embedded in our National Anthem:

Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain

To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and
Unity.

These are not just mere words, this is what binds us together as a nation. This is our oath as Nigerians, bound to uphold the principles of freedom, peace and unity for the safety and prosperity of our motherland.

Martin Luther King had a dream of America that one day….. For me, I can confidently say I see hope for Nigeria, because the coming generation of Nigerians are so intelligent, despite the adversaries and hindrance they’re faced with, they manage to overcome and that frightens the older generation. Our aim may be as high as the endless sky but we should have a resolve in our minds to walk ahead hand in hand for victory will be ours.

I wish to commemorate with my fellow Nigerians on this special day of our independence and remind us to keep the faith and pray to God for his preservation and grace upon us, Amen!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!