“All hands on deck for a greater nation.” I find it ironic that this is the theme for Nigeria’s 65th independence celebration. I can’t help but wonder what Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, and the others who fought for our liberation would think if they were to look down today. Would they recognize the Nigeria they once dreamed of, or would they shake their heads at leaders bold enough to hide behind a slogan that sounds like a bad joke?
It is almost insulting. These men and women risked their reputations, their careers, and in some cases their lives, to free this nation from the grip of colonialism. Today’s leaders, on the other hand, deliver grand speeches about sacrifice while living in opulence. If all hands are really on deck, then whose hands are steering, and why does it feel like the ship is heading straight for the rocks?
Sixty Five and Still Waiting
Nigeria is not a young country anymore. At 65, many nations have defined their identity and carved a path toward stability. Nigeria, however, seems stuck in a cycle of promises without delivery. Every October 1st brings a new theme, a new speech, and a new round of applause that dies out by October 2nd.
This year’s theme was unveiled by government officials as a rallying call for unity, progress, and development. Yet the same officials preside over a country where inflation bites into every meal, power supply remains unstable, and insecurity has turned entire villages into ghost towns. It is one thing to call for unity, and another thing entirely to create the conditions for people to believe in that unity.
The Reality on the Ground
For the average Nigerian, “all hands on deck” does not mean much when survival is the only priority. In Lagos, a young graduate hustles from job to job with no security, surviving on vibes and borrowed cash. In Jos, farmers are forced to abandon their land because of constant attacks, leaving their families hungry and futures uncertain. And even in Port Harcourt, families wade through floodwaters while politicians tweet about national progress.
How do you convince these people that their hands are part of a greater project when they cannot see any evidence of leadership? For most Nigerians, the government is not a deck worth standing on. Citizens feel abandoned, expected to clap for themes that do not match their reality.
The Independence Dream and the Harsh Truth
The dream of Nigeria’s founding leaders was never just about raising a two-coloured flag or singing an anthem. It built its foundation on dignity, justice, and the chance to build a nation that could stand tall in the world. Today, that dream feels broken. We celebrate independence while still shackled by corruption, tribalism, and a political class that hoards wealth while citizens beg for crumbs. Even insecurity has become the nation’s signature issue, and it seems like absolutely nothing is being done about it.
Add to that the shame of power outages in 2025. At 65 years, Nigerians still celebrate electricity with the shout of “Up NEPA” like a running joke turned national anthem. It is embarrassing, not humorous. Then there are the floods, particularly in Lagos, drowning communities every rainy season. The same Lagos that was once painted as the pride of our progress is now crippled by bad drainage and poor planning. People lose homes, livelihoods, and even lives, while leaders speak of greatness. What greatness survives on darkness, waterlogged streets, and fear?
A Glimpse of Hope
Yet, despite the frustration, Nigerians continue to show a resilience that should humble every leader. From the tech ecosystem in Yaba to the music stars selling out stadiums abroad, to the women leading grassroots movements in rural communities, ordinary citizens are proving that they are more than ready to build. The energy is there. The hands are already moving.
If the government matched this energy with sincerity, the potential would be unstoppable. Nigerians in the diaspora send billions of dollars home every year, young people are innovating even without support, and communities are taking on responsibilities the state has abandoned. Imagine what could happen if leadership met that spirit halfway.
What Needs to Change
If Nigeria is serious about its independence dreams, then “all hands on deck” must move beyond speeches. It should start with inclusion, ensuring that women, youth, and rural voices are at the table where decisions are made. It must be backed by accountability, with leaders publishing transparent progress reports that show exactly how promises are kept.
Citizens, too, have a role. We cannot give up on demanding better governance. Nation building is not about hashtags or slogans, but about choices. It is about holding leaders accountable with our votes, our voices, and our actions. A nation is built when citizens believe their sacrifice has value. Right now, that belief is dangerously thin.
The Final Question
“All hands on deck” should be a challenge, not a theme. But the challenge does not start with citizens alone; it starts with leaders who must unclench their fists and finally put their own hands where their mouths are.
Sixty-five years on, Nigeria does not need another theme. It needs proof. Proof that independence was not wasted, proof that sacrifice will not be mocked, proof that this nation can still rise. Until then, Independence Day is not a celebration. It’s just a reminder of what could have been and what still might be if real hands finally touch the wheel.
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