65 years of freedom? Nigerians still shackled by poverty, hunger and violence – Dan Bello

Today, Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence. Flags will wave, speeches will be read, and anthems sung. Leaders will declare that the nation is “free.”

But free from what?

Yes, Nigeria broke the chains of white colonialism in 1960. Yet, six decades later, citizens remain enslaved — not by foreigners, but by poverty, hunger, violence and corruption.

A Nation at War with Itself

Take Kano, the so-called “Centre of Commerce.” In neighbourhoods like Kurna, gangs known as Daba rule the night. Armed with machetes and guns, they terrorise communities, forcing mothers to hide their sons and fathers to guard their doors. What should be a city of trade has become a city under siege.

This is the fruit of “freedom.”

Independence should have meant schools, not street gangs.

Independence should have meant jobs, not overcrowded jailhouses.

Independence should have meant safety, not fear.

Leaders Who Colonise Their Own People

The tragedy is not just the absence of progress, but the betrayal of promise. The very leaders who inherited Nigeria from colonial rule now colonise their own people — through corruption, neglect, and failed governance.

Unlike the white man who robbed the nation while speaking a foreign tongue, today’s rulers plunder while calling us “my people” in our own language.

The Real Independence Nigerians Want

After 65 years, Nigerians do not crave parades and speeches. They want:

Security in their streets.

Opportunities for their children.

Food on their tables.

Justice in their courts.

Until then, the annual celebration of independence will remain hollow — a festival of flags covering the wounds of a bleeding nation.