Nigeria at 65: Benin City Residents Reflect on Lost Opportunities and Unmet Aspirations
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, residents of Benin City, Edo State, have expressed mixed feelings torn between pride in the nation’s survival and disappointment over decades of unfulfilled promises.
Speaking with VOS TV News, many residents lamented the country’s inability to fully harness its abundant resources, citing poor leadership, economic hardship, and insecurity as obstacles that have hindered national growth.
Mrs. Eseosa Omoregie, a trader at Oba Market, described the journey so far as “a story of lost opportunities.”
“At 65, Nigeria should be competing with developed nations, but here we are still battling with basic issues like power supply, inflation, and unemployment,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Kelvin Igbinedion, a civil servant, reflected on the dashed hopes of the younger generation.
“Most young people are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. That tells you that we have not built the kind of nation our founding fathers dreamed of,” he stated.
However, a few residents maintained optimism that with the right leadership and citizen participation, Nigeria could still chart a new path.
The Independence anniversary in Benin City was marked with low-key celebrations, but the voices of the people echoed a collective desire for a Nigeria that truly fulfills its promise.
since this is a feature piece on Nigeria at 65 with a Benin City focus, we can deepen the story by weaving in:
- Historical context (Independence in 1960, 65 years of nationhood)
- Economic realities (inflation, naira depreciation, unemployment, fuel subsidy removal)
- Local perspective (Benin City as a cultural hub — how residents feel growth has bypassed them)
- Youth voices (JAPA trend, lack of opportunities)
- Hopeful outlook (calls for unity, leadership accountability, and investment in education/infrastructure)
Nigeria at 65: Benin City Residents Reflect on Lost Opportunities and Unmet Aspirations
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, the mood in Benin City, Edo State is far from festive. For many residents, the milestone is a reminder of lost opportunities and unmet aspirations in a country blessed with resources but plagued by poor governance.
From the bustling Oba Market to the streets of Ugbowo, citizens voiced their frustrations. Traders complained about the rising cost of foodstuffs, transporters lamented fuel price hikes, while students worried about unemployment and frequent strikes that disrupt education.
Mrs. Eseosa Omoregie, a foodstuff seller, told VOS TV News that the struggle to make ends meet has worsened in recent years.
“We were told that independence meant freedom and prosperity, but 65 years later, we are still begging for stable electricity and affordable food. The suffering is too much,” she said.
For young people, the sentiment is one of dashed dreams. Many highlighted the ongoing “Japa” wave — the mass migration of Nigerians abroad.
“It is sad that at 65, instead of thinking about innovation and growth, we are thinking of how to leave the country. That shows our leaders have failed us,” said Kelvin Igbinedion, a civil servant.
Yet, amid the despair, some residents expressed cautious optimism. Cultural activist Osaretin Aiworo urged Nigerians to rediscover unity and demand accountability from leaders.
“We cannot give up. Nigeria has what it takes to rise again, but it starts with the people insisting on good governance,” he said.
In Benin City, celebrations were modest, with schools and civic groups holding parades, but the real anniversary message came from the streets — a mix of frustration, resilience, and cautious hope.
At 65, Nigeria’s story in the words of its people remains one of struggles endured, opportunities lost, but also a determination to keep faith in the promise of tomorrow.
