The Convener of Operation Rebuilding The Broken Walls And Hope Initiative, Apostle Dr Paul Akinselure, has called for greater national capacity in education, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, agriculture and other critical sectors as Nigeria marks its Independence Day.
Akinselure, in an Independence Day message, said Nigeria’s independence should go beyond the raising of the national flag to include the ability of the country to develop its own institutions, technologies, expertise and resources.
He questioned the country’s continued dependence on foreign nations, including its former colonial power, for education, medical treatment, technology, equipment, expertise and other essential services.
According to him, true independence should be measured by Nigeria’s capacity to solve its problems and sustain its development without excessive dependence on external support.
He said both government and citizens had important roles to play in achieving greater national self-reliance.
Akinselure urged governments at all levels to increase investment in quality education, healthcare, science and technology, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.
He also called for stronger institutions that would promote competence, innovation, integrity and hard work.
The cleric urged Nigerians to contribute to national development by creating, producing and innovating, while supporting local enterprises and demanding accountability from public officials.
He said Nigerian nationalists, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, fought for the country’s political independence, adding that the present generation should pursue economic, technological, educational and institutional independence.
Akinselure said Nigeria’s development required a shift from dependence to capacity, consumption to production and complaints to action.
He urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s progress and work towards building a more self-reliant and productive nation.
