Nigeria Still Suckling at 60, Says Nwakaozor

– Bemoans Dearth of Igbo Culture and Values

          By Ajuzie Chizoba 

The Chairman of Igboekulie, a socio cultural forum, Barr Vernatius Nwakaozor (KSJI ) has said that Nigeria can be likened to a suckling at 60 as our independence has remained a ruse..

Nwakaozor made the statement during a recent in Owerri organized by Center for Promotion of Igbo Culture and Values.

 He however expressed optimism that it is not too late for Nigeria to rediscover its greatness with the right leadership supported by the people.

“It is unfortunate that despite the vast human and material resources in Nigeria, Nigeria still suckles even at 60.

“The country is bedeviled by myriad challenges that should be fixed by the leadership. From ethnicity to corruption; from corruption to lack of national cohesion and many other challenges have become so entrenched in the system and we must work hard to reduce these factors to the barest minimum.

“Though the situation appears un-amenable, I am optimistic that the greatness of this country is still a possibility with the right attitude.

The lawyer and author bemoan the dearth of the culture and value system of the Igbo race, describing the situation as unfortunate.

We have a rich cultural heritage and our value system remains one of our greatest assets as a people.

“I hereby urge our people to embrace cultural rejuvenation that will promote respect to one another, respect to our values and  revival of can- do spirit which in turn promotes leader ship values amongst our people.

“Most importantly, we can never be appreciated until our identity, which is our language is taught to our children and is spoken by us all, our identity as Igbo would have been lost. I advise parents, teachers and our government to do the needful;” he stated.