The Nigerian State added another year to its sovereignty now spanning over five decades and still counting. Amid decades of misplaced trajectory in terms of getting it right politically and collectively as one of the most ethnically diverse entity in the globe, it is heartening to note that

Nigeria remains a united force, standing tall as Africa’s largest economy and the ninth most populous nation in the world. It is no gainsaying that the nation is yet to get its acts together at 55. *CEOAFRICA* was in town to sample the opinion of Nigerians on what they perceive as the malaise still besetting the country. Below are excerpts of what Nigerians across board had to say:

Mrs. Victoria Animashaun, an Interior Decorator at Victoria Island, Lagos State described Nigeria as a blessed country with a lot of minerals and natural resources, which are not fully explored and utilised. She said now that the country clocked 55 years, the present leaders should try to harness these resources, tackle corruption and come up with viable programmes that will further advance its growth and development.

Mr.Stephen Peters, a Computer Scientist in Warri, Delta State said it was a welcome development that we were able to scale through the tumultuous atmosphere that preceded the recent inter- party transition at the national level. Nonetheless, he advised that a lot still needs to be done in the area of Constitutional amendments that would afford the component states of the federation more autonomy. He said his desire was to see a Nigerian State that will entrench the tenets of fiscal federalism and provide the leeway for growth and development.

 In his own remarks, Engineer Linus Owwamanam, a dealer/ supplier of building materials in Ibadan, Oyo State appreciated the almighty God for keeping Nigeria together as a virile nation 55years after her independence from its colonial masters. He admonished the present government to prove its mettle by being very sensitive to the yearnings of the masses and work towards providing the basic amenities that helps improve the standard of living of its citizenry. He also implored the government to lend more support to the small and medium scale enterprises by providing loan grants with very low and affordable interest rates.

Miss Cleopatra Ling, a Chinese national and tourist in the country also felicitated with Nigerians on the celebration of her 55years of independence. She described Nigeria as a rich, endowed and very hospitable with lots of amiable people compared to other countries around the world.

She also lauded the strong relationship and ties that Nigeria has with other more advanced nations, which she said will be very beneficial to the growth of its economy.

Pastor Francis Akpan (JP), a clergy in Akwa-Ibom State, commented on the issue of corruption in the nation. He applauded the stance of the present administration under President Muhammad Buhari on the anti- corruption campaign but was sceptical of the President’s abilities to tackle this strong menace, considering the profile of people constituting his acolytes.

He described the needed fight against corruption as a herculean task that requires a great sense of political will from all and sundry.

In his own contribution, Alhaji Taofeek Usman, a Muslim cleric in Adamawa State also described the 55 Independence of Nigeria as a significant one. He said although it may not be easy to govern a country like Nigeria due to its size, population and the complexities of the citizens therein, he however, called on the people at the helms of affairs to remain resolute and God fearing.

Speaking further, he said some of our leaders and policy makers are trying to make the country better; some unpatriotic people are hell bent on destroying the country. To this end, he beckoned on such unscrupulous individuals to repent as it is never too late or else face the wrath of God. He also prayed that the issue of insecurity, which had dented the good image of the country and rendered thousands of people homeless and destitute, will be a thing of history in earnest.

On a final note, *CEOAFRICA* also extends her warmly felicitates with all Nigerians on the celebration of its 55 independent anniversary. Happy celebrations, GOD BLESS NIGERIA.