I do not know if any of Nigeria’s founding fathers publicly acknowledged the wind, which they rode and landed the rest of Nigeria on the shores of Independence on October 1, 1960. That wind was the biggest boost to their agitation and demand for self-government. It is the reason some people say Nigeria got her Independence on a platter. And they do not say so to undermine the efforts and contributors of the Independence First Eleven but to acknowledge what singular difference this wind played in their push for the big prize.

What was the wind? It was the lack of interest by the British in continuing the colonial policy following the impact of the Second World War on the British economy. The War had stretched the economy to its limits imposing real fatigue and strain on what was left of it. Suddenly the attractiveness of colonial rule was gone. It was no longer a pragmatic policy to maintain or continue.

This condition necessitated the advancement of agitations by those in the front lines of Nigeria’s Independence. They enjoyed the attention of the colonial representatives. Who listened to their demands patiently. Accepted to host conferences and talks. Made concessions and acceded to various demands that eventually culminated in the big one.

What kinds of winds are currently blowing across the world? Have we identified the nature of these winds in terms of those that can push us towards our goals or those that can push us away from our goals? Have we identified what the goals are so to take full advantage of the ‘friendly winds?’