CLERIC URGES NIGERIANS TO REFLECT AT 66

A cleric, Dr Rasheed Akinbile, has called for deeper national reflection as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, saying the country is at a critical stage in its institutional development.

Akinbile, Founder and Spiritual Master of the Caring and Sharing Sufi Centre, made the call in an Independence Day statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday.

He said Nigeria had undergone major demographic and generational changes since independence and should now examine what successive generations had preserved and built.

The cleric described the country as being in an “institutional adolescence,” arguing that Nigeria had established foundational structures but was still developing the national character needed to sustain them.

He identified peaceful political transitions, food security and youth retention as key challenges facing the country.

Akinbile said Nigeria needed a political system where electoral competition could take place peacefully and political opponents could accept election outcomes without threats to their livelihoods or safety.

He also called for greater attention to feeding the growing population and creating opportunities that would encourage talented young Nigerians to remain and contribute to the country.

On national unity, he advocated for a shared national identity that allows people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to see themselves as part of one country.

Akinbile described the 66th anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to ask not only how old the country is, but also what it has become and what kind of nation citizens want to build.

He urged Nigerians to work collectively towards building stronger institutions and a more united and prosperous country.