Nationhood Must Translate To Better Living For Nigerians, CAPPA Tells Tinubu
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary today, questions about the true meaning of freedom loom large.
For many citizens, independence is less about flag-waving ceremonies and more about whether they can afford food, healthcare, and education.
It is against this backdrop,, that Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to turn nationhood into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, warning that reforms must not “stabilise the books while destabilising households.”
In a statement, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stressed that the promise of independence can only be fulfilled when citizens live with dignity, enjoy decent housing, and have access to affordable health care, safe water, and education.
While acknowledging government reforms, the group said the gains are being overshadowed by hardship, citing soaring food prices, rents, electricity tariffs, and the high cost of healthcare.
CAPPA called for urgent investment in food security, support for farmers, and stronger, healthier food policies, including higher sugar-sweetened beverage taxes and clear food labelling.
It further warned against excessive borrowing, urged greater investment in education, and pressed for action on insecurity and corruption, which it described as major barriers to development.
CAPPA said Independence Day must be a moment of sober reflection, not just parades and speeches.
“Public office must be treated as a trust,” it noted, calling on leaders to live modestly and accountably, while citizens play their part by holding government accountable.
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