It was a mixed feelings for some Nigerian entertainers across the music and movie sectors as the country celebrated its 61st Independence Anniversary amid what some of them described as a gloomy and biting economic condition, which according to them has left many Nigerians in a depressed state while others are barely surviving.
While some of them refrained from commenting on the state of the nation as they chose to focus on their music and movie businesses, others who spoke and shared their views said Nigeria will be great again only if the people finally decide to elect leaders who will make impact and return the people to the path of prosperity.
While calling on government at all levels to give Nigerians a country they deserve, they charged the current leadership of the country led by President Muhammadu Buhari, to fix Nigeria, restore its lost glory and give the people a sense of belonging.
Painting a picture of a gloomy country groaning under the weight of debt, insecurity and bad leadership, popular singer and songwriter, 2face Idibia in his submission said Nigeria is currently in a gloomy state but expressed hope that “this phase will pass and the people will rejoice. We shall overcome,” he said.
His wife, Annie also urged Nigerians to remain in high spirits as the nation marks 61st Independence Anniversary, insisting that a time will come when citizens of the country can proudly say “I am a Nigerian.”
Describing the current situation of the country as ‘suffering and smiling,’ popular musician, Paul Play Dairo said there was nothing to celebrate about the country’s independence anniversary, pointing out that more Nigerians lost their lives this year, particularly students who were slaughtered by their abductors because their parents could pay ransom to bandits for their release.
He added further that the country’s economic condition was approaching an alarming dimension as the Federal Government continues to pile more debts on poor Nigerians, who he said, are not feeling the impact of government at all levels.
“With some of the problems currently confronting Nigeria, among which are killings, kidnapping, escalating poverty among the people, religious extremism being fuelled by tribalism, if anybody thinks it is okay to say happy Independence, then such person is wicked, callous, selfish and insensitive,” he added.
Actress Kate Henshaw however, disagreed with Paul Play, saying she refused to give up on Nigeria despite the current tough times being experienced by everyone.
She maintained that she couldn’t give up on herself and Nigeria as she would rather look at the many positive and giant strides being achieved by some hardworking and brilliant Nigerians.
“I refuse to give up on myself and our nation Nigeria. We have brilliant minds, hardworking and honest Nigerians who contribute daily to self, community and the nation as a whole. We are living in tough times and a lot of questions come to the fore on our choice of leaders and the impact of the office of the citizen,” she said.
For Jenifer’s Diary creator, Funke Akindele-Bello, Nigerians must continue to trust themselves and keep believing that the country will be better. “We have to keep telling ourselves that Nigeria will be great again,” she added.
In her words, actress, Ireti Doyle urged the people to count their blessings and hope that Nigeria turns the tide no matter how hard it appears. “Faith they say is the substance of things hoped for…the evidence of things not yet seen. Faith is calling things that are not as though they are. As dark as it is right now, I will continue to hold space for Nigeria, believing that someday, when the Lord turns the captivity of Zion, we will be like them that dream.”
It was a mixed feelings for some Nigerian entertainers across the music and movie sectors as the country celebrated its 61st Independence Anniversary amid what some of them described as a gloomy and biting economic condition, which according to them has left many Nigerians in a depressed state while others are barely surviving.
While some of them refrained from commenting on the state of the nation as they chose to focus on their music and movie businesses, others who spoke and shared their views said Nigeria will be great again only if the people finally decide to elect leaders who will make impact and return the people to the path of prosperity.
While calling on government at all levels to give Nigerians a country they deserve, they charged the current leadership of the country led by President Muhammadu Buhari, to fix Nigeria, restore its lost glory and give the people a sense of belonging.
Painting a picture of a gloomy country groaning under the weight of debt, insecurity and bad leadership, popular singer and songwriter, 2face Idibia in his submission said Nigeria is currently in a gloomy state but expressed hope that “this phase will pass and the people will rejoice. We shall overcome,” he said.
His wife, Annie also urged Nigerians to remain in high spirits as the nation marks 61st Independence Anniversary, insisting that a time will come when citizens of the country can proudly say “I am a Nigerian.”
Describing the current situation of the country as ‘suffering and smiling,’ popular musician, Paul Play Dairo said there was nothing to celebrate about the country’s independence anniversary, pointing out that more Nigerians lost their lives this year, particularly students who were slaughtered by their abductors because their parents could pay ransom to bandits for their release.
He added further that the country’s economic condition was approaching an alarming dimension as the Federal Government continues to pile more debts on poor Nigerians, who he said, are not feeling the impact of government at all levels.
“With some of the problems currently confronting Nigeria, among which are killings, kidnapping, escalating poverty among the people, religious extremism being fuelled by tribalism, if anybody thinks it is okay to say happy Independence, then such person is wicked, callous, selfish and insensitive,” he added.
Actress Kate Henshaw however, disagreed with Paul Play, saying she refused to give up on Nigeria despite the current tough times being experienced by everyone.
She maintained that she couldn’t give up on herself and Nigeria as she would rather look at the many positive and giant strides being achieved by some hardworking and brilliant Nigerians.
“I refuse to give up on myself and our nation Nigeria. We have brilliant minds, hardworking and honest Nigerians who contribute daily to self, community and the nation as a whole. We are living in tough times and a lot of questions come to the fore on our choice of leaders and the impact of the office of the citizen,” she said.
For Jenifer’s Diary creator, Funke Akindele-Bello, Nigerians must continue to trust themselves and keep believing that the country will be better. “We have to keep telling ourselves that Nigeria will be great again,” she added.
In her words, actress, Ireti Doyle urged the people to count their blessings and hope that Nigeria turns the tide no matter how hard it appears. “Faith they say is the substance of things hoped for…the evidence of things not yet seen. Faith is calling things that are not as though they are. As dark as it is right now, I will continue to hold space for Nigeria, believing that someday, when the Lord turns the captivity of Zion, we will be like them that dream.”
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