As Nigeria marks her 64th independence day anniversary today,, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rebuild Nigeria 360°, Mr. Jeff Abidoye urged Nigerians to remain committed to the nation’s development regardless of the current economic challenges.

He acknowledged the challenges that bedeviled the nation in terms of economic hardship, poor infrastructural development which increased the poverty level of its citizens, while attributing the slow pace of development to bad leadership style and corruption which has eaten deep into the system.

He pointed out that while many highly skilled Nigerians are selling off their properties and migrating to countries like Canada and Europe in search of better opportunities, he opined that these developed nations were built by men, not angels. He questioned why the same could not be achieved in Nigeria.

The Rebuild Nigeria 360 CEO expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating that the problems facing Nigeria are surmountable regardless the ongoing issues of corruption and political instability.

“When Nigeria that has produced these brilliant minds needed them most, they should stand up, join hands, and work together to stop the looters,” he emphasized, underscoring the need for collective action to address the nation’s challenges.

Drawing comparisons between Nigeria and the United States, he argued that patriotism, loyalty, and love for one’s country are what sustain nations, not a flawless system. He noted that the U.S., despite its over 250 years of existence, still struggles with issues like insecurity, yet remains united because of its people’s dedication.

Addressing the President Tinubu’s recent policy redirection efforts, including the planned cabinet reshuffle, he hailed this initiative, stating, “If you cannot deliver the deliverables as a political appointee after one year in office, you should be thrown out.” He expressed hope that such measures would bring about sustainable development in Nigeria.

He called for a change in mindset and a re-evaluation of the psyche, conduct, and belief systems of both Nigeria’s leadership and its citizens. According to him, it is only through these changes that Nigeria can begin to realize its full potential. “President Tinubu must not afford to fail. We are waiting; he just must deliver.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 64 years of independence, he reminded the citizens that no nation is perfect. “We might not be where we are supposed to be, but we are no longer where we used to be.”

He also referenced Nelson Mandela’s call for forgiveness and peace, urging Nigerians to come together for the greater good of the country.

According to him, while America once predicted Nigeria’s breakup, it is now building its largest embassy in the world on Nigerian soil — a testament to the potential the international community sees in the country, even if Nigerians themselves do not.

” But using the global indices of benchmarking, of appraisal,  looking at the quantum of resources, in terms of grants, donors, and then loans from World Bank to IMF to Paris Club, and from maybe so many other institutions.  The answer is, we are far from where we should be.

“The corruption is on the high side. You can’t even imagine, it’s gone beyond what you can imagine, it’s not only to the political class alone. It cuts across all strata of our national life,  up to mosques, up to churches, there is no part of our life that doesn’t have corruption. Even in the educational sector, we have corruption.

  “But however, we might not be where we want to be, but we are no more where we used to be”, he submitted.