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I recall my time as a pupil at Saint David’s Primary school, Lafiaji area of Lagos, October 1, 1960 was a memorable day for me and other pupils. On that day, the school’s authorities transported us to Race-course,( now known as Tafawa Belewa Square), venue for the independence celebration. It was indeed a grand celebration in Lagos. After the independence speeches, all the pupils and students from various schools in Lagos Island were served delicious packaged meals with soft drinks. The joy that followed knew no bounds. Many of us children prayed and dreamt that such would be a yearly occurrence. However, six years after, there was a military coup, precisely on January 15th,1966. The military takeover truncated what many of us- school kids at that time- believed would be a yearly affair. As kids, we had looked forward to the October 1st 1960 like treatment every year, however our dream was shattered by the coup.
For my contemporaries who are still alive and who are today grandfathers, the joy and promise of independence have since evaporised and given way for octane despair, anguish and lamentations. The cherished memories of 1960 are now our daily nourishment. we tightly hug nostalgia as a daily companion.
Sixty- six years down the line, some of us wish that the hand of the clock could be turned back. For example, 66 years ago, Nigeria was an oasis of safety, peace and tranquility. You could travel from Maidugiri to Calabar, Owerri to Kafachan, Ogbomosho Talata Marafa without nursing fear of insecurity, fear of being kidnapped. Today we have terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, arm robbery and many more. Road journey is today willful suicide. According to reports, Nigeria currently has a high crime index score of 66.2. Statists, places the country in the high-crime perception category.
Official past reports from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics show lower official numbers because many crimes are never reported to the police. Citizens often fail to report crimes due to a lack of trust in authorities or fear of retaliation. The Global Organized Crime Index places Nigeria high globally for organized crime, including financial fraud, trafficking, Theft, burglary, and general stealing. These are the most frequently reported offenses. Violent crimes which includes Kidnapping, armed robbery, and assaults happen across various regions, internet fraud and digital scams remain widespread. Other issues include armed banditry and communal clashes which affect specific rural areas. In our 66 years of independence, thousands of lives have been lost to crime and criminalities.
Corruption is another canker worm that has badly eaten into the fabrics of our country. There is pervasive corruption in all sectors in Nigeria. According to reports, Nigeria is widely perceived as facing severe public sector corruption, ranking 142nd out of 182 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 26 out of 100. Nigeria consistently sits in the lower tier of global rankings, categorized among the more corrupt public sectors evaluated worldwide. Furthermore, the score indicates that public sector corruption is perceived as widespread and deep-seated, remaining well below the global average. It trails behind dozens of other African nations on governance, transparency, and control of corruption metrics. High-level political and institutional corruption involves grand theft, contract fraud, embezzlement, and patronage networks tied to resource revenues. Everyday administrative corruption affects citizens interacting with public services, including law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and local government offices. Governance indicators and public surveys reflect persistent challenges with accountability, law enforcement integrity, and the efficacy of anti-corruption frameworks. According to recent EFCC reports, between October 2023 and July 2026, the commission received 49,673 petitions, investigated 39,615 cases, filed 14,476 cases in court and secured 10,872 convictions. This gives a conviction-to-filing ratio of 75.1 per cent. In the first half of 2026 alone, the country recorded 1,370 convictions from 1,889 filings. This reinforces the assertion that corruption has eaten very deep into the fabric of Nigeria. Besides EFCC, other security agencies like the police, the DSS and ICPC are also fighting corruption. This means that corruption is wide spread in Nigeria. It shows that in Nigeria, corruption and criminalities are like Siemens twins. Both are evil virus affecting the development and progress of the country.No government official is ready to render accounts of budget expenditure. According to Robert B. Zoellick, a lawyer and former United States Deputy Secretary of State, “Corruption is a cancer that steals from the poor, eats away at governance and moral fibre and destroys trust.” Albert Einstein, a Theoretical physicist also said: “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” If there is one achievement Nigerians should appreciate President Olusegun Obasanjo for, it is the establishment of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related offences commission (ICPC). To complement the invaluable works of the EFCC and ICPC, I hereby recommend the inclusion in our school curriculum, the evil of corruption. It should be taught as a subject in primary and secondary schools in the country. Every effort must be put in place to ensure total eradication of corruption in our country.As the country celebrates 66 years of independence, one is of the view that no moral legacy is being passed to our children. Religious leaders, political leaders and the traditional institution are rather concerned with self- enrichment. Everyone wants to make money at all cost and by all means-in athe streets, market, mosques, churches, offices etc. Corruption and criminality walk on all fours, and has dented the image of the country.Imagine underage children turning informants and arms couriers for terrorists, kidnappers and armed robbers. 66 years after independence, the Nigerian situation evokes tears.
As we celebrate our 66 independence anniversary, let’s remember that crime and corruption cannot be curbed except individuals provide information to security agencies. Do you have information on perpetrator of corruption or criminals? Pass to the underlisted security agencies:
1. Police: 07031179186
2. NDLEA: 080010203040
3. EFCC: 08093322644
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4. Nigeria Customs Service:+234 703 789 1156
5. NAPTIP-08075638397=
6. DSS-09153391309
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Postscript:
Congratulations!
Security File heartily congratulates and celebrates Archbishop (Dr) Effa Emmanuel, the presiding Bishop of World Royal City Church, Asokoro, Abuja; Archbishop of Grand Alliance of Christian Bishops & Ministers, President of Pastors Support Network with over 4,000 Pastors, a prophet, life coach, Apostle and philanthropist, as he adds another year to his age. May God continue to prolong your life and Ministry.
Happy Birthday, God’s General!
