Ndoma-Egba Reflects on Nigeria at 65: “Nation Building Is a Journey, Not a Destination”
By Ebi COLLINS
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, offered a profound reflection on the nation’s democratic and developmental journey, describing it as a “cocktail of experiences” that have tested the country’s resilience but also proven its enduring unity.
Speaking to journalists, recently, at his country home in Calabar, the distinguished lawyer and statesman drew a powerful analogy between human life and the life of a nation. He observed that while 65 years may seem long in the life of an individual, often a period of retirement and reflection, it is still a short span in the evolution of a country.
“For a human being, 65 years is a very long time,” Ndoma-Egba said. “But for a nation, 65 years is a very short time. Yet, within this short period, Nigeria has packed together experiences that, if lived by one person, could cause mental exhaustion.”
Recalling the country’s historical milestones, he painted a vivid picture of Nigeria’s evolution, from the colonial era through independence, the civil war, and successive political transitions, to the present democratic dispensation. “I saw colonial rule. I saw the fight for independence. I saw independence and the surfeit of hope that followed,” he reflected. “Then we saw coups, civil war, and economic highs and lows. We have moved from regions to states, from abundance to scarcity, and yet we remain one nation.”
Despite the turbulence, Ndoma-Egba maintained that Nigeria’s survival as a united entity remains a remarkable achievement. “It’s a miracle that we are still sane as a nation,” he remarked. “In spite of all the contradictions and cross-generational crises, we are still one people. That alone is a major success story.”
He dismissed separatist agitations as the antics of “misguided elements,” insisting that no serious Nigerian desires the breakup of the country. “There is no sane Nigerian today advocating disunity,” he stated. “Our greatest triumph lies in our commitment to stay together in spite of ourselves.”
Drawing a striking metaphor, Ndoma-Egba likened Nigeria’s nation-building process to the dynamics of marriage. “In a marriage, there are phases - romantic, realistic, and sometimes rough. But what keeps it going is commitment. You stay together not because there are no challenges, but because you’ve resolved to make it work,” he explained. “That is the spirit that keeps Nigeria together.”
While acknowledging that the country could have made greater progress, the former lawmaker urged citizens to adopt a forward-looking mindset. “Nation building is not an overnight project; it never ends,” he emphasized. “Even advanced democracies like the United States have their struggles. What matters is that we keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges.”
