Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary will unfold next week with flamboyant military parades, erudite national lectures and cultural shindigs in Abuja.
Respective state governments will also enact similar roadshows in their different state capitals to celebrate this great nation. We surmise that it’s a worthy opportunity to herald the good and wonderful things that have kept us together in the last years.
Despite the constant din on social media, the negativity of some parochial activists and ethnic jingoistic one is surprised that the nation is still standing.
If you can factor in the conflagrations in the Western world: France is struggling, United Kingdom is unsteady, United States is haemorrhaging. Germany is in recession. Canada is tilting towards the East.
It’s raining chaos and uncertainty everywhere. It’s a season of everyone for himself. Which is why we think there should be cause for cheer in the nation.
This year’s celebrations theme is so apt and strategic. According to a statement from Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nigeria @ 65: All hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.
Women’s participation in national development and economic growth have been somewhat mixed. There are no elected female State Governors, but there are few Deputy Governors. We also have female Senators and Representatives in the the political arena.
Female Federal Ministers are appointed to serious portfolios like Foreign Affairs, FCT, Trade and Industry besides the usual Women Affairs slot.
However, women have recorded huge successes in the private sector such as real estate, pharmaceuticals, retail, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, media and entertainment.
Trailblazers amazons like Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Omoni Oboli, Kiekie and Uche Jombo are sitting atop multi million dollar funded projects.
Others like Tiwa Savage, Simisola, Mercy Chinwo, Tope Alabi are making waves in the music industry. They rake in millions daily from YouTube.
Women like Ibukun Awosika, Amina Mohammed, Nike Adeyemi, Ndidi Nwuneli, 0lori Atuwase and Tara Durotoye among others are engaged in public advocacy and social development.
We encourage every woman in their little corner to join hands together and lift the nation forward through innovation.
Here are some pointers:
Stop reposting posts demarketing the country. Grass is not greener on the other side
JAPA is giving way to JAPADA. More diaspora Nigerians are returning back home to establish SMEs.
More collaborative projects are required to boost economic growth
We should stop useless ethnic wars and start to develop mutual understanding.
Have your say friends.
Please join this conversation with your comments and feedback to mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com
Happy birthday Nigeria.
By Mubo Okosun
Women’s Editor
