Nigerian filmmaker and actor Pascal Atuma has decried the economic hardship facing the country.
In a post on his Instagram handle marking his 52nd birthday, Atuma said he is grateful to God for life but at the same time facing the realities of Nigeria, adding that his friends want to celebrate with him but he cannot justify the celebration.
“Today is my birthday, but as much as I am very grateful to God for life, I still face the realities of today’s Nigeria. My family and friends want to celebrate with me, but I cannot justify the celebration. Are we celebrating Naira exchanging at #1800 to a dollar? Are we celebrating the masses gradually dying of hunger? Are we celebrating diesel at #1500 per liter? Are we celebrating the kidnapping of innocent citizens?”
He, however, says the only positive thing to celebrate in Nigeria at the moment is the Super Eagles’ bravery at the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) as it reminded Nigerians of their strength in diversity.
“What is there to celebrate? Maybe celebrate the bravery of the Super Eagles at the just concluded African Cup of Nations? Yes, that is positive; at least it reminded us of the strength in our diversity and what we can accomplish as a nation when we come together. It reminded us that Western religion and ethnic and tribal divides were all weapons imported from the Western world and should not destroy our nation. Yes, the Super Eagles’ accomplishment in the just concluded African Cup of Nations is the only positive thing to celebrate that has recently happened to Nigeria.”
The filmmaker urged Nigerians to wake up before it is too late as no country ever prayed for prosperity without work.
“We must know that no country ever prayed for prosperity without work and that we need industries rather than religious stadiums. We cannot continue to have elected political officeholders who become Lords/Billionaires overnight, simply for the fact that they were elected to serve the masses. Nigeria cannot continue like this; the earlier we work together to save Nigeria, the better for all of us. Nigerians must wake up before it is too late. Nigerians know those who used elected offices to steal billions.
“We know those who did not add any economic value but cashed in on petroleum subsidies. We have seen governors who became more prosperous than the states where they ruled for four to eight years. They should return the money so that starvation will cease to be the order of the day in Nigeria.”
