A Former Presidential Aide and best-selling author, Reno Omokri has taken a swipe at some Nigerians, over their negative comments on the country, on its 63rd Independence Anniversary.
Omokri who took the step via a post on his X handle on Sunday, October 1, 2023, said the actions of some Nigerians a symptomatic of their short memories and inability to control their mouths away from negativity.
According to the former presidential aide, those who are saying Nigeria has achieved nothing at 63 years, have either achieved nothing or failed to see through the achievements of the country, noting that much has been achieved in the country.
Omokri noted that Nigeria had no major oil refinery on October 1, 1960, saying the country now has multiple refineries, including the largest single-train refinery on earth.
He further stated that South Africa was the biggest economy in Africa in 1960, noting that 63 years after, Nigeria had taken over as the largest economy in the continent.
According to him, no film industry in Nigeria as of 1963, but the country’s Nollywood, is the world’s third-largest film industry today.
However, he acknowledged that even though someone’s political party lost during the 2023 election, Nigeria should be put first on Independence Day.
He however wished Nigerians a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary, while praying that God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and also bless Nigerians and their families.
“The negativity some Nigerians are displaying on our 63rd Independence Anniversary is symptomatic of our short memories and inability to control our mouths away from negativity.
“Look at them saying Nigeria has achieved nothing in 63 years. Maybe you have achieved nothing, but Nigeria has achieved much. Please fact-check me as I list things that ought to make you proud as a Nigerian.
“On October 1, 1960, South Africa was the biggest economy in Africa. Their economy was twice ours. Today, 63 years later, Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa.
“On October 1, 1960, Nigeria had just two universities. Now, we have almost a hundred.
“Life expectancy in Nigeria was 36.73 years on October 1, 1960. Today, October 1, 2023, it is now 55.75. An additional 20 years have been added to the lifespan of the average Nigerian.
“On October 1, 1960, we had no major oil refinery in our nation. Today, we have multiple, including the largest single-train refinery on Earth.
“On October 1, 1960, no Nigerians were included among the 100 wealthiest people on Earth. Today, we have Nigerians on that list.
“At Independence, we had no film industry. Today, our film industry, Nollywood, is the world’s third largest.
“If the above is what you consider “nothing”, then you are part of Nigeria’s problem, as an enemy of progress, and excluded from the solution.
“Granted, your party and candidate may not have won the #NigerianElections2023, but this is our Independence Day. For this one day in a year, can you kindly put Nigeria first and everything else, including party, region, and religion, last?
“Happy 63rd Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and may God bless you and your families. In Yeshua’s Name.
“#TableShaker,” he tweeted.