NIGERIA@63: Celebrities optimistic of a brighter future

As Nigeria commemorates its 63rd Independence Day today, celebrities in the entertainment industry have voiced their optimism for a brighter future, even in the face of the country’s current economic challenges and other persistent issues. SEGUN ADEBAYO shares their views in this report.

As fireworks light up the sky and parades fill the streets in celebration of the country’s 63rd Independence anniversary, Nigerians from all walks of life are coming together in the hope that their beloved nation will rise above its current challenges. The entertainment industry and its players are also speaking with one voice as they chorused the yearnings of the sector and called on the government to give it the much-needed attention.

Prominent figures in the entertainment sector like Fred Amata, Charly Boy, Adewale Ayuba, Pasuma, and Obesere, have come together to send messages of hope to the nation. They are of the opinion that as long as Nigeria remains a united nation, it is not out of place to celebrate the peace and harmony the country has been enjoying over the years.

These entertainers believe that despite the hurdles the country faces, there is a collective spirit that can propel Nigeria towards a better tomorrow.

In his reaction, music star, Skibii, said no one can change the country if not the people, adding that the people choose their leaders and the leaders are a product of the society.

According to him, the country may not be in the shape that many people want it to be, nevertheless, the unity and relative peace can’t be traded for anything or compared to what is obtainable in other climes.

Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor, echoed the sentiments of his fellow entertainers, emphasising that the government’s responsibility lies in taking care of its citizens. According to the actor, Nigeria will get better but the leaders must show the way for the people to follow. He noted that no country could fix a bad system in a day but there should be signs of better days ahead and the government must lead the people in the right direction in order to earn their trust.

Okey Bakassi, known for his wit and humour, joined the chorus of voices, saying that the people’s well-being should be the government’s utmost priority. The humour merchant said that making the people happy should be the priority of the government, especially now that the citizens are groaning under the yoke of petrol subsidy removal that has left many in bad economic shape.

While acknowledging the challenges, Fred Amata maintained that Nigeria possesses immense potential and resilient citizens who can overcome adversity but that shouldn’t be all they get from the government.

“We should celebrate the country’s 63rd anniversary and be grateful that we still have a country we can call our own. It is not about rolling out the drums or having a big celebration but the fact that we have a nation, we should be grateful and be hopeful that things will get better.”

Actress, Bimbo Thomas, said the country’s entertainment industry, known globally for its vibrant music, movies and art, has long been a source of pride for Nigeria but the government needs to do more to create an enabling environment for the creative industry to thrive.

She stated further that the sector contributes a lot to the country in terms of image and revenue, “It is high time those in the seat of power paid active attention to the yearnings of the people in that sector because we have always been drawing their attention to some of the issues we are facing for more than a decade,” she said.

Comedian, Ali Baba, disclosed that amid the celebrations, there is an underlying call for unity and collaboration between the government and the creative sector, which contributes significantly to the nation’s culture and economy. According to him, until the leadership gets it right and puts on a thinking cap, the country will continue to lament and keep failing to meet expectations of the people.

“On this 63rd Independence Day anniversary, the voices of Nigeria’s entertainers remind us that with determination, resilience and a government committed to its people, brighter days are indeed ahead for this diverse and culturally rich nation.

“I think we must never shy away from any opportunity to celebrate Nigeria. We might not be wherever we want to be, but we are certainly not where we were. We must and should celebrate our resilience as a people and nation.

“Things might not look the way they should be for many entertainers, but we must keep hopes alive and celebrate this country. This is our country and we must ensure we celebrate ourselves”, said another comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka.

While commending the new government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for keeping the country united and putting competent hands in critical positions, actor, Saheed Balogun, stressed that a flourishing creative industry can contribute significantly to the nation’s economy and cultural identity. He expressed the belief that the government has a crucial role to play in fostering an environment where artistes can innovate and flourish.

“The situation calls for sober reflection. It is Independence Day and we have to look at where we are coming from and where we are, then we can begin to talk about where we are going as a nation. Nigerians deserve the best from the government and the people must also show the zeal to embrace new ways of doing things.

“For me as an entertainer, I will urge the government to do the needful by creating an enabling environment for entertainers to do their jobs, the government can wait to see how much it would generate from a regulated and well-structured entertainment industry,” he said.

For actress, Shan George, the fact that some people fought for the country’s independence with their sweat and hard work, “we must continue to honour them by celebrating the day. While I share in the feeling of those who are worried about the state of things in the country, I want to also call for calm.

“We as a people can’t afford to keep wishing bad for the country because this is the only place we can call home. As much as I know that lives have not been better, things are not looking up and many people are grumbling, we must keep hoping and praying that our country gets better.”

Singer and entertainer, D’banj, said: “This is our country and we must celebrate its achievements. For a country as big as Nigeria, marking the 63rd Independence anniversary is not a joke, it is a big deal and we must celebrate it despite the enormous challenges we are currently facing. Everybody is feeling the heat; entertainers, business owners and corporate bodies.“

According to Mr Macaroni: “I sincerely hope that we all as Nigerians can look out for ourselves more. I have always said that we are all that we have. We all must also take responsibility. Sometimes we see fellow Nigerians being bullied, harassed, beaten and oppressed on the streets, in the school, at social gatherings and we do nothing. Sometimes we just bring out phones to record.

“The majority will forever be more than the minority and if the majority say no to oppression, then oppression will end. Injustice done to one is injustice done to all. If we all begin to stand up for one another, evil people will think twice before doing evil because they will know that there is no hiding place. We are stronger together.”

Funke Adesiyan said: “The situation may be very delicate and may look like we are not heading anywhere, we can’t just look away. I pray for love, peace and progress. Having said that, the government must take responsibility and address all issues with the fear of God and take people into consideration.

“No citizen is bigger than the other. The government must show the political will to put the country back on track rather than paying lip service to the problems threatening the peace of its people.”

Musician and record label owner, Olamide, observed that Nigeria may not be in the shape the people want it to be, but added that “we should celebrate the day and charge the government on the need to put the country in good shape.”

Orezi said: “Life has been quite tough over the past years but the government keeps telling us we should be calm. I don’t have anything much to say about Independence Day but I want to urge Nigerians to keep fighting for their rights.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE