Wednesday, Nigeria marked 48 years of independence from British colonialrule. President Umaru Yar'Adua is asking Nigerians to renew their faithand transform their country into a strong, stable, and democratic nation. He iscalling on them to make Nigeria a major player on the global stage by 2020.President Yar'Adua pledged to promote a culture of prudence, diligence andaccountability in governance.
Butmany Nigerians continue to express frustration over widespread hunger,unemployment and the pace of development.
ChiefJohn Odey is Nigeria's minister of information and communications. He says despite some setbacks, the countryhas a lot to celebrate. "Forus, it is a landmark; for us, it is an important event. It is an importantevent because it is an inspiration for all of us Nigerians. It has botheconomic and political significance for us. Our country has a blessed existenceand we are celebrating it. We appreciate God for it and also, too, we arereflecting on our achievements so far and all our challenges and are lookingback at our past heroes and what they have done for us and how we canconsolidate upon it."
Chief Odey says the government is working very hardto improve and upgrade crumbling infrastructures countrywide. "Thisadministration, we do not want to shy away from the problem or from thechallenges. There are huge challenges for all the various sectors of theeconomy. We realize that is why we have the seven-point agenda that will dealwith the critical sectors of the economy, particularly power and energy thatcan leverage the growth of the entire economy."