When Will the Giant of Africa Truly Rise?
Today, Nigeria marks another Democracy Day. There will be speeches. There will be ceremonies. There will be congratulatory messages celebrating twenty-seven years of uninterrupted democratic governance. There will be reminders of how far we have come from military rule and the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic freedoms. Yet, beyond the official celebrations lies a painful reality that millions of Nigerians cannot ignore. As another Democracy Day arrives, many citizens are not asking how long democracy has survived. They are asking whether democracy is truly working for them. For a nation proudly called the "Giant of Africa," the contrast between potential and reality has become increasingly difficult to bear. A giant should inspire confidence. A giant should provide leadership. A giant should protect its people. A giant should create opportunities for prosperity and advancement. Yet today, many Nigerians wake up each morning uncertain not only...