Nigeria at 65: A Call for Rebirth, Discipline and Patriotism -By Yasir Shehu Adam

In 1975 at Dodan Barracks, an iconic photo was taken. Many people look at such images without realizing the deeper message they carry.

In that shot stood three young men who were already at the peak of responsibility and leadership:

– Adamu Ciroma was just 41 years old and already the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
– Olusegun Obasanjo was 37 years old, serving as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters.
– Murtala Muhammed was only 36 years old, yet he was already the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They looked sharp, responsible, ambitious, and determined. Just five years before, the two military leaders had fought and won the brutal Biafra war. At only 33 years of age, Obasanjo had received the surrender of Biafran soldiers at Ulli.

History also reminds us that almost all the young officers who carried out the first and second coups in Nigeria were in their 20s. Yakubu Gowon became Head of State at just 31 years old, while Dele Giwa founded Newswatch Magazine at 38 years old.

Now compare that to many youths of today. At 30 years of age, millions are still roaming the streets searching for jobs after graduation, with no employable skills. Too many are lost in cultism, fraud, kidnapping, rituals, drug trafficking, banditry, terrorism, and other crimes. Others risk their lives crossing the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea, chasing the “Japa dream.” Some get stranded in countries like Mali, Niger, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.

This is not the future our founding fathers dreamed of. At 65 years of independence, Nigeria is still far from true freedom. We still suffer from:

– Poor quality education
– Inadequate healthcare
– Lack of electricity
– Insecurity everywhere

Hunger and poverty, with over 85% of Nigerians unable to afford three meals a day.

Jobless youths, with over 95% having no opportunities to grow or contribute meaningfully to society.

This situation is the root of many of our problems—armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and the breakdown of peace and unity in the land.

As a young Nigerian approaching 30, I strongly believe we need a national rebirth of values—discipline, education, patriotism, and good leadership. Our leaders must take urgent steps to give hope to the youth and rebuild our nation. Nigerians trusted in this administration, but instead of progress, things keep getting worse.
The time for excuses is over. The time for action is now. We cannot wait another decade watching our future slip away.

Nigeria must rise again.

Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman)
Young journalist and writer from Bauchi