In interpreting and proffering solutions to the African predicament, two main lines of thought can be identified. For the traditionalist perspective, the point of departure is that traditional African societies, prior to our contact with the West, epitomised desirable levels of peace, stability and progress. Consequently, this line of thought proposes that Africa will only exit its present state of squalor if it retraces its step to rediscover those essential values and principles that were responsible for the (supposed) enviable state of traditional African societies. On a second note, the modernist view insists that traditional African societies were not necessarily el dorados as some are wont to believe, claiming further that Western approach to politics, economics, science and technology is what Africa needs to wholly embrace to engender development.

Regardless of the strengths and weaknesses of the traditionalist and modernist tempers, there are basic facts about the continent that cannot be dismissed. Truth be told, the continent was colonised for the purpose of exploitation, subjugation and domination. Africa was injured by colonialism. The African became a slave in his own land; he was alienated from his culture as he was led by his colonial masters to the assimilation of foreign ways of life. Traditional African values, ideals and principles were displaced while foreign ideals became predominant. That the negative, indelible marks of this period still persist on the continent is not in doubt.

But it is also a fact that there is a limit to human endurance. This fact is at the base of what propelled Africans to stand up against colonialism and fight for the right to determine their own existence. And from around the middle of the last century, the wind of freedom started to blow across the length and breadth of the continent as African countries began to gain independence from erstwhile colonial governments. Year-in-year-out African countries have learnt to celebrate their hard-won independence, often times amidst pomp and pageantry.

From the federal capital city of Abuja to state capitals and other major cities and towns, our dear country Nigeria commemorated its 50th year of independence amidst fanfare, camaraderie and speeches venerating the gallantry of our founding fathers. Indeed, we had every cause to roll out the drums. Against the backdrop of our common heritage, we have been through a lot together as one country. From the throes of a civil war, to successive military incursions and extraordinary political situations that threatened the foundations of our nationhood, we have remained one indivisible entity, peopled by an enterprising lot seeking one common goal – to see a Nigeria fully maximising its potentials and consequently providing the common good for one and all.

The country’s 50th independence anniversary is a significant watershed in its history. But beyond the soiree that marked the commemoration of the anniversary are those unpleasant realities that constantly remind us of how very little we have achieved in spite of the abundant human and natural resources dotting every available space within our landscape. This is however not a time to engage in the blame game. This commemoration presents us the opportunity to, among other things, re-understand the essence of our freedom.
The two basic senses of freedom should be recalled here – ‘freedom from’ and ‘freedom to’. What Nigeria, like other African countries, got at its independence was ‘freedom from’ foreign domination, exploitation and oppression. But we desperately need to take this freedom to the next level, that of ‘freedom to’. This is where it appears we have faltered.

Going forward, we need to understand that what we asserted 50 years ago was not only a decision to end foreign domination but also, and more importantly, a fundamental right to shape our own destiny – a chance to control and utilise our God-given resources to constantly improve our own existence. Indeed, we need to understand, as captured in these words of Dwight D. Eisenhower, that “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”

Fellow compatriots, since we all seem to grant that we could have done much better we need not fret over this unpleasant reality any longer. What is required of us now is to immediately get on board and let the flight take-off. Let the journey begin to a new Nigeria of pleasant tales, remarkable developments and unprecedented growth by our purposes, commitments, efforts and actions.

On this special occasion, we at the Honeywell Group wish the Government and the good people of Nigeria happy 50th independence anniversary.

LET US PRAY

Dear God, we thank You for sparing our lives to witness the joy of our 50th year as a free nation. We thank You for the resources You have endowed us with whilst seeking Your forgiveness for not maximally harnessing them for our own benefit as You purposed. But now, we seek Your guidance as we chart a new direction as one people that we may channel our efforts rightly for our own benefit and to Your own glory.

Honeywell Group