Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has expressed hope in Nigeria, stating that the country still has the resources to lead black nations if it can fight corruption and properly manage its resources.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, the Archbishop reflected on Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, noting that the nation’s setbacks stem largely from governance failures rather than a lack of potential.
He stressed that Nigeria has been held back by poor leadership and mismanagement.
“Why we haven’t reached the goals of our founding fathers has to do with the management of our wonderful resources. We have all it takes to be the leader of the black nations in the premier league of world nations. But we are not going to get there by propaganda, we will only get there by reality on the ground,” he stated.
Cardinal Onaiyekan recalled his own excitement during independence in 1960, when as a 16-year-old student he was selected to witness the historic moment in Lagos.
“We believed that our country was on the way to greatness. I was told we were now independent and that in a few years’ time we would be like the United States, Germany and France. Sixty-five years have passed, and what makes it more painful is that we are the only African that achieve this dream of ours,” he said.
He, however, maintained that Nigeria’s future can still be redeemed if leaders prioritise unity and tackle corruption. “At 81, I still believe I will see a Nigeria that works before I go to paradise. Nigerians are resilient, hardworking people who believe in faith. With good governance, things can still work well. My plea and our prayer for our leaders is that they should do more to bring Nigerians together and tackle corruption,” he urged.
Onaiyekan further emphasised the importance of credible polls, warning that the nation cannot progress without them. “No matter what type of government we have, if we cannot hold free and fair elections, it won’t work. Can we have rulers who are there to lead and serve the nation, not themselves? Can we have a government that puts the people, especially the most needy, first?”
While acknowledging the frustrations of young Nigerians, especially those seeking to migrate, he urged hope and commitment to building the nation. “When Nigerian youths are losing hope in their mission and are anxious simply to escape, it is not good news. For every Nigerian youth who succeeds in leaving, there are more remaining, and we must not forget them. The reality on the ground, not statistics, tells us how families struggle to sustain themselves,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the Archbishop reaffirmed his love for the country. “I still believe in Nigeria. I always travel, but I am always anxious to come back home, nowhere is as good as Nigeria,” he concluded.
Nancy Mbamalu
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