Views on the mode of commemorating the event may differ, but one thing we cannot jettison is that the centenary anniversary of the amalgamation of hitherto Southern and Northern protectorates into the geo-political entity now called Nigeria is an important milestone. For one thing, the place of history in human affairs and development remains sacrosanct.

Similarly, stories of the evolution of nation-states are always intriguing, especially because the journey to self-realisation and sustenance has varied from one country to another. Perhaps akin to human life, countries of the world have pursued their expeditions to development informed by different conditions, abilities, potentials, worldviews, social orders, economic frameworks, etc. Yet what all political theorists agree with is that the fundamental purpose of the state is to elicit common good for all.

Ours has not been the most satisfactory of histories neither have we done well enough with our rich and famed human and material endowment. Still, the situation is not one beyond redemption. From all indications, however, Nigeria’s quest for growth and development will require periodic re-visits of the watershed points of our history. Robert Penn Warren elaborates on the importance of this when he enthused: “History cannot give us a programme for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.”

Herein lies the importance of commemorating the centenary anniversary of the amalgamation – a moment to look back, take stock, identify mistakes made and collectively determine growth and improvement areas. In doing this, we must also take time to appreciate the significance of the amalgamation itself. More than any other thing, we must see the amalgamation and, consequently, the Nigerian state it birthed as a process of creating a synergy; occasioning extra success achieved by complementary efforts of different parts.

But success is not attained by sudden flight! Success is usually attained by people with the right mental and psychological preparation for it. As we envision the next century we must begin to reform our educational system to better develop minds capable of propelling our nation to replicate the achievements of leading economies such as China and the other Asian giants.

For instance, in the latest report of the Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA), a global survey of education systems organised triennially by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to review the extent to which students near the end of compulsory education have acquired some of the knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern society, particularly in mathematics, reading and science, Shanghai (China) ranked first in mathematics, reading and science among 15 and 16-year-olds. In all three subjects, the survey showed, Shanghai students demonstrated knowledge and skills equivalent to at least one additional year of schooling than their peers even in countries like the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. In mathematics particularly, Shanghai ranked first followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, in that order. Shanghai was also first in the 2009 edition of the PISA survey.

The world continues to hail the enviable, rapid growth and industrialisation of China and the four Asian Tigers but the PISA survey above may well be the pointer to the foundation underlying the success of these countries, especially in the area of modernisation and technological advancement. Clearly, we see here a linkage between sound and solid educational system and the growth of modern economies. In fact, a major conclusion of the PISA survey is that East Asian economies performed better than other regions in all three subjects assessed.

The 100th anniversary of the amalgamation marks a critical point in the Nigerian project. It is that point where we need to come together and articulate a success strategy for the next 100 years; a strategy particularly focused on investing in the future of Nigeria represented by its teeming youth population. We can create the future we want for our country. We can help our children and youths become better leaders by equipping them with requisite education and life skills. We can assure a better 100 years from now such that future generations will look back in adoration of their heroes.

On this remarkable anniversary of the amalgamation we can make that solemn resolve to reposition Nigeria. Change is possible. A brighter future is realisable. It is never too late to begin to build the foundations of growth. History is replete with victories from concerted efforts; where separate strengths are not seen as mutually exclusive but are jointly exploited to create competitive advantages.

We at Honeywell Group wish all Nigerians happy centenary anniversary and a prosperous 2014.

LET US PRAY

Dear God, we thank You for the gift of a new year and the promises it harbours. We thank You for the 100 years of the journey to nationhood and for keeping our country one and indivisible. Our conviction remains strong, our strengths are renewed. We therefore beseech Thee, Dear God, that You grant us good fortune as we work together as a people to make the best of the land You have bestowed unto us.

Honeywell Group