63rd Independence: Nigeria only giant of Africa by number — CAN
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna state chapter, Rev. John Joseph Hayab has said that Nigeria is the giant of Africa only by number.
Hayab, stated this in Kaduna, during the Independent service held at the Baptist Technology Seminary, Hayin-banki, Kawo Kaduna.
He said the story so far does not reflect the yearnings and the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
The CAN Chairman while lamenting that nations coming up after Nigeria since independence seem to be moving faster than Nigeria, said that aside from population, Nigeria is a failure virtually in most things because of poor policies.
On the part of Nigerian Leaders, Hayab reiterated that “they only travel to Germany, England, America and other countries to enjoy the air conditioners without bringing home any idea that would shape the Country,” stressing “if they had come in with at least one new idea yearly, 63 new things in 63 years is capable of taking the Country to global standard.”
He said, “Truly, we have not gone far. Truly, we have not done well. Truly, we do not have anything to show that we are 63. Even nations that are coming up after us seem to be going faster than us. We are only giant in number but fail virtually in most certain things.
“Truly speaking, anywhere you go, you will discover that Nigerian citizens are yearning for something good. They need something better. They want to see progress.
“Wake up those in leadership, make that change, let it start from you while you are in government now.”
Speaking with Journalists shortly after the event, the Deputy President, Administration, Baptist Technology Seminary, Hanyin-banki, Kaduna, Rev. Dr. Manasseh Haruna, said the programme was about celebrating Nigeria at 63 to assess the performance of the Country and thereafter remind themselves on their own important role as clerics to see how they can salvage the Country.
He also noted that Nigeria is not where it is supposed to be at 63, challenging both leaders and citizens to do what is right for a prosperous Nigeria.
He said, “As a nation, we need to do what is right. Beginning from our homes, we need to obey the laws of the land; we need to do what is expected of us so that we can grow as a nation.
“My wish for Nigeria at 63 is that the Country should grow and that Nigerians should be obedient to the laws of the land. Also, leaders of the land should do what is expected of them so that things can get better. There is hope for Nigerians.
“All hope is not lost, except if we ourselves decide not to make the Country work. But if we are determined, we can move the Country forward because those countries that are making progress made up their minds and they are doing well today.”
