As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Dr. Rasheed Akinbile, Founder and Spiritual Master of the Caring and Sharing Sufi Centre, has called for deep national reflection. He stated that the country's "oil childhood is over" and it can no longer wait for a single solution to solve its problems. Akinbile made this statement in an Independence Anniversary message issued in Ibadan on Thursday. He challenged Nigerians to reflect on the country's progress since independence and the kind of nation they want to build.
Akinbile noted that Nigeria's population has quadrupled since 1960, emphasizing the need for the country to assess its current state and determine its collective character. He mentioned that Nigeria is experiencing a significant generational transition, with the founding generation gradually passing away and those who inherited power growing old. Akinbile stressed that the present generation should focus on what they have achieved, rather than what their fathers built.
According to Akinbile, countries often face serious institutional challenges between 60 and 70 years after independence, when institutions are expected to thrive without emotional memory of independence. He described Nigeria at 66 as being in an "institutional adolescence," with foundational structures in place but its national character still evolving. Akinbile identified three major tests facing Nigeria: peaceful transfer of political power, feeding the population while retaining young talent, and building a common national identity.
Akinbile emphasized the importance of peaceful political competition and stability, stating that Nigeria must develop a system where the loser in an election can go home and live well. He also called for greater attention to food security and the retention of young Nigerians, particularly talented youths who may seek opportunities abroad. Akinbile stressed that Nigeria needs to prioritize these issues to ensure its continued growth and development.
On national unity, Akinbile said Nigeria needs a single national story that all Nigerians can identify with, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. He stated that this national story should be one that the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Muslim, and Christian can all say, "This is us," without feeling excluded. Akinbile believes that this will help foster a sense of unity and shared identity among Nigerians.
Concluding his message, Akinbile described the 66th anniversary as a "mirror age," urging Nigerians to move beyond asking about their age and instead focus on who they have become as a nation. He extended Independence Anniversary greetings to Nigerians and called on citizens to continue working together to build Nigeria into a "true giant and economy engine of Africa."
Akinbile, a longtime advocate of religious tolerance, has a history of promoting interfaith dialogue in Nigeria. He was the convener of the first interreligious dialogue in Nigeria, held at the University of Ibadan in 1993. His message was reported by Gilbert Ekugbe, a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs.
Key points
- Dr. Rasheed Akinbile calls for deep national reflection as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
- Akinbile identifies three major tests facing Nigeria: peaceful transfer of political power, feeding the population, and building a common national identity.
- He urges Nigerians to work together to build a united and prosperous nation.
