As unbelievable as it may sound, the harsh reality is that Nigeria has since been battling many problems. And right from her inception, Nigeria’s state of affairs can be said to have been the same; all the economic, political, and social problems that plagued the country at its existence remain unresolved.

Unarguably, the self-style African giant has many problems, but only a few of them are fundamentals; a dysfunctional socio-political structure, corruption, an unproductive economy, erratic power supply, and insecurity.

It is however pertinent to note that given her natural resources and her numerous economic potentials, Nigeria could do much better. But surprisingly, as many people have experienced over the years since Nigeria gained freedom from Britain in 1960, the West African country has been grappling with many problems without finding a lasting solution to it.

Dysfunctional socio-political structure

As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria ranks as one of the most influential countries on the continent. Since her independence, the West African nation can unarguably be said to have made progress as far as social infrastructures are concerned, but what can’t be argued is the fact that poor governance has given rooms to much of the problems the citizenry has since been struggling with over the past years.

While Newsrand understands that the problems are hardly unique in the developing world, it is noteworthy to state that Nigeria’s travails are indisputably exceptional in scope and continuum. Mass poverty, economic stagnation, endemic corruption, political instability, weak institutions,

and social conflict can be found in many countries, may not be particular for Nigeria alone, but the scale of Nigeria’s developmental failure places the country in sharper relief.

In Nigeria, both past and incumbent governments have exercised a modicum of good governance. During the last three decades, Nigeria has generated trillions of US dollars across different channels, much of which has accrued revenue to the federal government. Many of

the country’s leaders (if not all), who have professed aspirations for development during their election campaigns, have spent prodigiously on infrastructure, and social services. Yet, central authorities have been battling to provide stable governance in the sense of effective legitimate rule and essential public goods.

From what has been witnessed over the 60 years that Nigeria has been existing, it won’t be erroneous to assert that the basis of political community (the idea of Nigeria) is fiercely contested.

Corruption

In Nigeria, corruption has spread astronomically into all spheres of life in Nigeria. The rate of corruption is progressively increasing with an upsurge in the number of cases where public offices have become an instrument for the enrichment of members of political elites.

From independence inception to date, political corruption and its attendant problems in forms of vote buying, election rigging and manipulation, outright embezzlement by politicians have negatively affected the lives of Nigerians.

This unpleasant situation has however led to increased political apathy and distrust in the country’s fledgling democratic ideals. Relevant stakeholders in government have since been exploring corruption by diverting public funds for self interest. Monies meant for infrastructural development of the society are misappropriated and embezzled.

Unproductive economy

Considering her population, Nigeria is a country that operates the largest economy in Africa. Since the West African country gained independence, she has been dependent on revenues from oil to survive.

Sadly, Nigeria has since been struggling with an unsteady revenue flow, in which the government has over time attempted to counter by borrowing from international bodies, introducing various austerity measures, or doing both at the same time. And due to the increasing debt burden, an ever-increasing share of the national budget is being deployed for debt servicing, which, corruption dominating government operations, meant that a larger part of Nigeria’s income often ended in public servants’ accounts.

Erratic power supply

The issue of erratic power supply is as old as the country itself. Lack of accessibility to reliable, quality and affordable power has been problematic for the citizenry. The issue of epileptic power supply in Nigeria has been a major concern, not just to members of the public, but also to the Federal Government and the companies that operate under various sectors.

With the intention of addressing the issue of electrical power crisis and improving the reliability of the electrical power system, the Nigerian government have, at one time or the order, had to

merge Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and Niger Delta Authority (NDA) to National Electric Power Authority (NEPA); change NEPA’s nomenclature to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), focusing mainly on restructuring; privatize and split PHCH into 18 companies in 2012.

These efforts should ordinarily translate to significant change and stable power supply for public delight. However, records obtained so far have shown that all of these have had little or no positive impact on availability of electricity which is of utmost concern to consumers.

Insecurity

The administrations that have ruled Nigeria have witnessed unprecedented series of agitations in the forms of kidnapping and abduction, armed robberies, bombing, and carnages of all forms and magnitude.

Of these agitations, the most dastard so far is the activities of Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist organization. With its emergence in 2002, the insecurity situation in Nigeria has taken a complex dimension.

Aside from Boko Haram, bandits have also been unleashing mayhem across the country.

With the frequency and intensity of deadly attacks and carnages, insecurity in Nigeria cuts across cities, towns and villages, such that there is hardly anywhere to run to for cover. Lives and properties are not safe for urban dwellers as well as for the rural dwellers. People live in apprehension almost every day.

The post Nigeria at 60: Challenges That Have Since Been Making The News appeared first on Business News in Nigeria.

Amongst many other reasons, Nigeria’s Independence Day is usually a day set aside to honour the country’s heroes.

However, there is no gainsaying that Nigeria is blessed with diversity of tribes, religions, languages, and culture. The most populated African country is also blessed with talented artistes, who has recorded and released songs that celebrates Nigeria.

These artistes, with their songs, have contributed immensely to national growth and unity among Nigeria’s citizenry.

Below are some of the songs you should listen to today:

Which Way, Nigeria – Sunny Okosun

When singer Sunny Okosun released this classic in 1983, the intent was to bring a truthful realisation to both the Nigerian leaders and the populace. The song’s lyrics frown at bribery and corruption which lurks around the country.

Greenland – Ty Bello

Interestingly, this song is TY Bello‘s debut, and it’s a song that aims at spreading love, strengthening the family bonds, and expressing optimism for Nigeria. Released in 2007, the song also encourages Nigerians to move away from the state of fear and discomfort to a land of hope and possibilities.

One love – Onyenka Onwenu

Onwenu, a Nigerian music legend who has been so passionate about unity in the country, expresses the need for unity in this track. The song conveyed a bundle of messages to Nigerians. In the same vein, the tender voices of children who sings the chorus was indeed a track to reckon with.

Song of Unity – Nigerian leaders

This song was performed by Nigerian leaders, both past heads of states and democratic leaders men. The song, which was a declaration of unity in the country features Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ernest Shonekan Oladipo Diya, and the late Alex Ekwueme.

Lift up Nigeria – king Sunny Ade

The king of music, King Sunny Ade extends his love to all tribes, and religions in Nigeria. In his track, he urges everyone to come together and work for the continuous progress of the country.

Nigeria my beloved country – Funmi Adams

Funmi Adams, popular in the 80s and 90s, promoted cultural diversity among youths.  Asides from the nostalgic feeling you get from the song, it preaches unity and harmony. This song remains evergreen in the hearts of many Nigerians.

Let’s Live Together – Kush

A gospel and R&B group released a song titled Let’s Live Together in the 2000s. The song re-establishes the statement “united we stand, divided we fall”.  It also reminds Nigerians of the need to live together in peace and harmony.

Nigeria go Survive – Veno Marioghae

The artiste expresses hope and faith in Nigeria. The song which was rendered in the pidgin English language celebrates Nigeria natural resources.

Motherland – Sound Sultan

The song Motherland serves as a reminder to Nigerians that have left the country in search of beautiful and blessed land that no matter how far and wide they go, Nigeria still remains the best place for them to be.

Great Nation – Timi Dakolo

This song is one that inspires Nigerians never to lose hope in themselves and believe in unity.

The post Nigeria At 60: A List Of Patriotic Songs You Will Enjoy appeared first on Business News in Nigeria.