Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has stated that Nigeria is far better today than it was before independence, according to a report by Vanguard on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
He insisted that the country has made huge progress since gaining self-rule.
Yakasai, who is 99 years old, spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show.
He explained that his view comes from living through both the colonial and post-independence periods.
According to him, Nigeria has achieved great milestones over the decades.
He stated that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration is linked to the reforms being pursued by the government.
Yakasai said he believes the president has achieved much within the short time he has led the country.
When asked why some Nigerians still feel nostalgic about the past, Yakasai said those who did not live under colonial rule may not understand the progress that has been made.
He argued that life before independence was not as rosy as some people assume.
He stressed that one of the greatest achievements of independence is that Nigerians now run their own affairs.
Yakasai pointed out that before 1960, the British controlled every aspect of government.
Today, he said, all positions of power are held by Nigerians.
The elder statesman also spoke about the nation’s democratic journey.
He said elections, though imperfect, have created a system of accountability.
According to him, political parties that fail to perform are replaced at the polls.
This, he added, shows that Nigeria is moving forward.
Yakasai maintained that progress may not always be obvious, but those who witnessed colonial times can appreciate the transformation.
He stated that Nigeria has taken important steps in education, politics, and governance, and that the country is on the right path despite challenges.
“The Nigeria of today is far better. If anybody says we have not done well, maybe he has not known what was happening before or now,” he said. See, More, Here>>>
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