Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has said, when compared to United States of America, United Kingdom and others at infancy, Nigeria did not fare badly, 63 years after its independence.

His predecessor, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, however, lamented that there are countries that gained independence at the same time with Nigeria, but which have made more remarkable progress in development.

“My view is that we could have moved further than where we are but the political class and also, maybe, the military have not allowed us to move as fast as we should,” Okoh said.

According to him, “it is a challenge to our youth to see that their future is better than what it is now. They may have fought in the last election. They made tremendous effort. But unfortunately, their effort did not yield desired result.”

He advised: “They (youth) should not give up. If they want to succeed in life, they should not give up. They must take over from the class of people leading now.”

Answering questions from journalists at the 13th anniversary of Advent Cable News Nigeria (ACNN) in Abuja, yesterday, Ndukuba, on his part, said: “For our President to have addressed the world during the General Assembly of the United Nations shows that Nigeria has something to offer.”

He said: “And as we celebrate our independence, there may be some challenges. It is always said that Rome was not built in a day. When you think of America at the age of 63 or United Kingdom at 63, it will be very clear that Nigeria has not done badly. We have our challenges. I agree.

But also, we are willing and determined to address those challenges.”