By

Prof. J.O. Irukwu

IN response to the main theme, I have been requested to speak on "The Case for a United, Peaceful and Stable Nigerian Nation". This title raises several issues and questions that should be addressed if we are to do a measure of justice to the theme. They include the following:-

(a) Why is it necessary for us to work for a United, Peaceful and stable Nigerian Nation?

(b) What are the factors that threaten the Unity, Peace and Stability of Nigeria and how can they be eliminated?

(c) How can we, as individual, the elite, leaders, and governments contribute to the achievement of the desired national objectives?



3. We will respond to these questions in the course of this address, but before we proceed any further, I will mention some lessons we have learnt from the 20th century which may have some relevance to our theme.



4. Some Lessons from the 20th Century

History is primarily a story or an account of past events. The world attaches great importance to historical studies because of the lessons we are expected to learn from historical events. Guided by such lessons, we are able to avoid past mistakes that resulted in disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, history continues to repeat itself because we tend to forget the lessons of history. Trusting that we will be guided by the lessons of the 20th century, especially in the context of our theme, I list below some of these lessons.



From the events of the 20th century we have learnt the following lessons, amongst others:-

(1) That conflicts, wars and civil disorders hardly ever resolve national or societal problems. On the contrary, such conflicts were generally resolved through discussions and negotiations in a sincere spirit of give and take and genuine compromise.



(ii) That where there is a will, there is always a way.



(iii) That the truth always prevails.



(iv) We also learnt that the countries that achieved political stability, economic progress and overall prosperity during the 20th century were those whose leaders were honest, sincere and selflessly committed to the pursuit of the well-being of all their people and whose governments and democratic institutions were allowed to function freely and efficiently in the best interest of their people under the rule of law.



(v) We learnt that the few multi-ethnic and multi-religious developing nations that progressed in the 20th century, free from such destructive features as ethnic conflicts, civil wars, and disintegration were those whose leaders and their followers had exhibited a high degree of maturity, vision, unity, peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the different groups that make up the nation state.



(vi) We also learnt that there are no shortcuts to individual, corporate and national greatness. Those individuals, corporate bodies and nations that achieved greatness, in whatever form, or national prosperity, peace, unity and stability did so as a result of their determination, hard work and commitment to these great virtues.



(vii) We learnt that democracy finds it difficult to survive in an environment with a high level of poverty, political and social instability, absence of the rule of law or one in which the civil society is not reasonably secure economically.



(viii) Another important lesson is that only citizens of nations that offer their nationals reasonable security, as well as a general sense of self esteem and well being, possess the high level of patriotism and motivation that inspires higher national productivity and economic prosperity.



These are just some examples of the lessons of the 20th century which should be borne in mind as we reflect on our theme.



5. Nigeria's main characteristics as a potentially great nation

5.1 Since our theme is centred around the Nigerian nation, it should serve as a solid foundation on which to rest our case if we begin by examining, very briefly, the main characteristics of modern Nigeria which has led many of us to the conclusion that the country is a potentially great nation that should be nurtured and developed to play a great role as a world power.



5.2 In most respects, Nigeria is one of the most fortunate countries in the family of developing nations of the world. Its vast endowments of assorted natural and human resources and its strategic geographical and political location in the African continent stands it out as a potentially great African nation, if only Nigerians and their leaders will agree to live in peace and unity and work collectively towards the attainment of the greatness that has been virtually thrusted on the nation by providence. Nigerian as one political entity came into formal legal existence on October 1, 1960 when the country achieved full political independence from Great Britain. Before the arrival of the British and long before colonisation, the territory now known as Nigeria had existed with its many states, kingdoms and peoples as far back as the pre-historic era of Africa for well over 5,000 years.



5.3 Limited industrial activity before and after Independence

Before independence, there was very little industrial activity in Nigeria as the country was primarily involved in agriculture, general trading, and assorted commercial activity. In those pre-independence days, the economy, which was predominantly centred around the purchasing and exportation of raw materials and the importation and distribution of goods and services was dominated by British and other European trading companies. Following the achievement of political independence in 1960, Nigerian Governments at Federal and Regional levels, became actively involved in the promotion of industrialisation. They also encouraged Nigerians to become involved in the establishment of industrial projects. This government intervention, coupled with the growth of the country's oil revenue, led to the expansion of the national economy and the establishment of several small and medium-sized industrial projects. Since independence, practically all Nigerian governments have consistently adopted policies aimed at promoting the process of industrialisation and the encouragement of economic growth with varying degrees of success.



6.0 The strategic importance of Nigeria in Africa with its abundant mineral resources

6.1 It has been said that Nigeria is to Africa what China is to the World. This is probably because Nigeria is the largest market in the continent, as well as the most highly endowed with both human and natural resources. Its strategic importance also rests on the fact that it is the World's 10th largest producer of oil and petroleum which now accounts for almost 90% of the country's foreign exports and 80% of its foreign earnings, contrary to the position in the 1960s, when agriculture and food products accounted for 70% of Nigeria's exports. Apart from petroleum, the country is rich in practically all the valuable mineral resources known to mankind such as gold, silver, coal, tin, columbite, lead-zinc, marble, graphite and iron ore to mention just a few. Undoubtedly, Nigeria's strategic political, economic and geographical location, its abundant natural and human resources, as well as the largest democracy in Africa puts it in a very special position. This is further enhanced by its key role in the ECOWAS sub-region with its membership of 16 countries at different levels of development.



6.2 Abundant supply of manpower

At the risk of committing a repetition, I must state that one of Nigeria's greatest strengths is its abundant supply of highly skilled and other levels of manpower, including a large supply of outstanding world-class scientists, technologists and professionals in practically all disciplines. There is hardly any country in the world in which we do not find highly skilled Nigerians playing key roles in their own areas of specialisation. If we are able to create the right environment at home that would propel these highly talented Nigerian experts to return and help in transforming our own institutions, the result would certainly be overwhelming.



7. Our duty to improve and preserve these endowments

7.1 I have deliberately highlighted some of Nigeria's positive features in order to indicate its great potentials, and the need for all Nigerians to work collectively to eliminate those negative features that weaken or threaten the Nigerian structure. Having listed some of our priceless natural and human resources, it is my submission, that we all l have a sacred duty, as patriotic Nigerians, to protect, improve and preserve these resources that it has pleased God to bless this nation with. This is probably an appropriate point to pay special tributes to our founding fathers in the hope that their spirit will propel us to become more committed to the preservation of our natural resources and endowments.

Nigeria @49 what have we got to offer to the people , yet we are the giant of Afriica . We have to come together to make a difference and possitive changes on the life of the masses.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA,