A fool at 50 or just misunderstood?

For any that haven't heard Nigeria celebrates its independence anniversary tomorrow. Its been 50 years since the British handed over power and the country's development was left to the people. Or that was the idea.

The debate rages on in the country this week as to what it means to be 50 years old and where the country has come to. Many have called for a period of reflection at this time and the hope I mentioned in a previous post is strong within people that the next 50 years will be better. That phrase itself perhaps suggests the last 50 have been somewhat disappointing.

I'm not going to dwell on the history of Nigeria and the causes of its distress. If you want to read more click here or here.

I have touched on the talents this country has to offer in previous posts and its inherent problems previously and will do both again I am sure.

But for this post, lets look at just some of the headlines in the country's newspapers today:

Of course one should remember the majority of the papers themselves have political leanings and allegiances they will uphold. Expect another post soon referring to some of the papers I havn't mentioned here.

From the Punch the most widely read Nigerian paper comes news of Students of the five state owned universities in the South East declaring October 1st as a day of mourning for the state of education within the country. The students have argued that the education system has collapsed. This comes on the back of strikes by lecturers over pay.

In Next comes a story that doesn't particularly bring surprises; The long running 'Haliburton scandal' has thrown up a number of names and companies that have alleged involvement in the bribery case. One such company is Julius Berger the long standing construction company that has been operating in Nigeria since time immemorial and is responsible for numerous state and federal buildings, roads and other infrastructure projects in the country both now and in the past. According to the paper the company has entered into an agreement with the Federal government and while there is no admission of liability in the settlement the will make an "ex/gratia payment". The agreement will of course remain confidential.

PM News highlights the scuffles and 'commotion' that broke out in Abuja today as bags of rice were distributed to a crowd on behalf of Patience Jonathan, the First Lady of Nigeria. The paper delights in providing photographs of the scuffle and the resulting victors. As the papaer points out you may notice the victors happen to be wearing uniforms. It should be noted that Compass Newspaper alledges that 3 died in the struggle.

The Daily Trust leads with mention that the President is requesting changes to the Electoral Act to allow political appointees to vote as delegates during political party conventions. Perhaps a sign of GEJ shoring up his personal support before the primaries?

I'll leave you with a couple of final articles here and here that caught my attention. This first story has made big news here and there is a disgust in the eyes of a nation that almost revers their children. We await to see how the story pans out but it gives a hint as to what many Nigerians go through in this country, where kidnapping and robbery on the roads is a relatively common occurrence in some parts of the country. The other story is from the North and of particular concern due to the location of the extended family in that area.

I alongside many many people wish Nigeria Happy Independence.

Thankyou for allowing my stay here.

May the country grow from the toddler to the adult soon. May the adult be well balanced and responsible.

May Nigerians take lessons from the last 50 both the good and bad and move forward with responsibility and respect...