Writers 
Nigeria is a country with a lot of potentials. The country has plenty of ingredients to create a successful future: its natural resources, its creative youth, its cultural diversity and its entrepreneurial spirit. But sadly, decades after independence, many Nigerians have raised a pertinent question; when can the Nigeria of our dreams translate to reality?
The solution doesn't necessarily lie in waiting for another person to create it. It kicks off with the understanding that the future of Nigeria is co-created.
Nigerians have been grappling with the problems of insecurity, unemployment, low economic status, inadequate public services, low infrastructure and others for many years now. Families, businesses, students and communities have all been impacted by these challenges nationwide. Problems must not be a reason to give up on hope.
The challenges are not the only thing that makes Nigeria's story.
Nigerians are resilient everyday. The land is still farmed. Teachers are the teachers of tomorrow. Entrepreneurs establish business amid the tough situations. Engineers make contributions to society along with doctors, surveyors, scientists and other professionals. Young Nigerians are starting businesses, developing technology, making entertainment, and taking Nigerian talent to the international platform.
These are some great things that are happening; it is the Nigerian spirit that is still alive.
The Nigeria of our dreams can't be achieved through political speeches. It depends on working institutions and good governance, accountability and an educated, active citizens. It needs investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and creation of jobs.
Education is a special area of interest as the future of any country is tied to the quality of its people. An educated child will be the engineer, teacher, entrepreneur, scientist or leader of tomorrow's Nigeria.
We need to also inspire young people to be active and engaged in society. The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but they are already contributing to Nigeria today! Their creativity, energy and ideas can help transform communities if they are provided with opportunities and an appropriate environment.
The same goes for unity. Nigeria has a large number of ethnic groups, languages, cultures and religions. Diversity doesn't have to equal division. The reality is that a better Nigeria is what will be achieved when citizens look beyond their differences and realise they have something to gain from peace, security and development.
The country we envisioned will not come about in a single day. It will take patience, sacrifice, honesty and continuous effort. As citizens, we all have responsibilities as well as the government. Public property must be safeguarded, the law respected, violence repudiated, productive businesses encouraged, accountability demanded through legal and peaceful means.
Nigeria has come a long way at 66 years of independence. Signs of success, failure and dismay, and moments of national pride. But, the work is far from done.
The future is still to be written.
Rise therefore, not with a mere sentiment of what is wrong, but with a thought of what can be right and may be, and help contribute to it. Let's create a community in which children can dream without fear, businesses can thrive, workers can earn with dignity, and every citizen can know that their future counts.
It is not impossible but the Nigeria of our dreams is possible. It's a duty.
Let us rise. Let us work. Let us unite. Let us build.
Nigeria, your best days are yet to come. š³š¬