In the midst of Nigeria’s political, economic and socio-religious challenges since it gained independence on October first, 1960, stakeholders still share the opinion that the country has made remarkable success fifty-nine years after the British Union Jack gave way to Nigeria’s flag.


At Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, where an estimated population of over five thousand persons from different parts of Anambra State converged to mark the celebration, speakers think the country is still too young to be unfairly judged.


From the colourful environment to the resounding applause that followed the catchy displays by each of the groups that attended the event, led by the Nigeria Police Force, the atmosphere set the mood for the celebration of the anniversary for a nation that has had its ups and downs, but is still on the right course.


The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Uchenna Okafor, thinks Nigeria has every reason to celebrate the milestones it has attained since independence, despite countless obstacles.
On his part, the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Oye and the Secretary to the Government of Anambra State, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said that Nigerians set unique standards of tenacity and unity even in the face of mounting setbacks.


The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Chief Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, says the major problem of Nigeria, includes unpatriotism, interests from political, ethnic and religious groups, making Nigeria’s much-sought-after development very difficult.


The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Hilary Odili Okeke, on the other hand, thinks that it was through God’s grace that the unity and progress of Nigeria can be solidified.


A secondary school student, Master Chizoba Wisdom, who was dissatisfied with the poor worth of Nigeria’s educational valuation, called the government to invest more to upgrade the country’s educational system.
The Independent Day Celebration at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, did not go without a thrill.


In the march past that capped the occasion, Girls’ Secondary School, Amenyi-Awka came first in the public secondary schools’ category, while Saint John of God Secondary School, Awka and Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka came second and third, respectively, in the same category.
In the approved private secondary schools’ category, UNIZIK High School, Awka, came first, while Saint Lucy Secondary School, Ifite-Awka and Saint Paul’s University Secondary School, Nibo-Nise, came second and third respectively.


Central School, Nibo, came first in the public primary schools’
category, same with Saint Paul’s Primary School, Awka, in the approved private schools’ category, while Ezike Primary School, Nibo, and Handmaids Infant Jesus Primary School, Awka, came second from each of the above categories respectively.


The Atuilogwu dance troupe from Regina Pacis Secondary School, Onitsha, also added cultural colours to the ceremony.

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