Former senator Shehu Sani has articulated the reasons why Nigeria lags behind other non-African British colonies and remains mired in its challenges as the country marks its 64th independence anniversary.
In a post on his official X handle, Sani compared Nigeria’s colonial experience under the British with that of other countries around the world. He noted that while non-African British colonies have effectively utilized their diversity to build prosperous nations, Nigeria has often resorted to blaming its colonial past for its current struggles.
Sani highlighted the historical context of Nigeria’s formation, stating, “The British forcefully brought us together to form what is now called Nigeria. But that was exactly what the French, Portuguese, Belgians, and Spanish did in other African countries. That was also the case for colonial powers in the Americas and many Asian states.”
He further emphasized that countries like the United States and Canada, also shaped by British, French, and Spanish colonialism, have not allowed their historical conditions to impede their progress. Instead, they have embraced their diversity to forge ahead despite their own challenges.
“The difference between them and us is that they are not stuck in blaming their own colonial masters or the conditions of their births. They have learned to make use of their diversity and build their country for the future,” Sani stated, underscoring the need for Nigerians to shift their perspective and work towards a united and progressive nation.
