Independence Day: My-ACE China Calls for Individual Economic Freedom, National Self-Reliance
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has called for a broader understanding of Nigeria’s independence, saying true national independence must be accompanied by individual economic freedom and the ability of citizens to create value without unnecessary barriers.
China made the call in Port Harcourt on Thursday while reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years as an independent nation. He argued that national development begins with individuals and that the strength of a country is determined by the capacity of its citizens to solve problems, create wealth and contribute meaningfully to society.
“National development begins with the individual,” China said. “The strength of a country is determined by the capacity of its citizens to solve problems, create wealth and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The real estate strategist identified what he described as seven obstacles to national development: cash-money mentality, “go-grabber” political culture, personal-gratification leadership, blame culture, failure to monetise problems, myopic thinking and lack of courage.
He said Nigeria’s development would remain constrained unless citizens and leaders developed the mindset required to confront these challenges.
China particularly criticised the perception that cash is the only form of money, arguing that ideas, knowledge, trust, integrity, relationships, solutions, services and attention also possess economic value.
“Cash is not the only form of money,” he said. “Ideas, knowledge, trust, integrity, relationships, solutions, services and attention also have economic value.”
He said the inability of many Nigerians to recognise and develop these forms of value had contributed to dependence, unemployment and limited entrepreneurial growth.
China also called on Nigerians to see national challenges as opportunities for innovation and enterprise. According to him, the country’s housing deficit, infrastructure challenges and other development gaps represent potential economic opportunities for people willing to develop practical solutions and scale them beyond their immediate communities.
“Our problems are also opportunities,” he said. “If Nigerians fail to develop solutions to these challenges, foreigners will solve Nigerian problems and take the economic benefits.”
On individual independence, China said every Nigerian should have the independence to think, produce and achieve financial stability.
“Every Nigerian should have the independence to think, produce and achieve financial stability,” he said, adding that citizens should not be defined by dependence on others.
He said government and society should provide a level playing field where individuals could apply their abilities. Using the example of an athlete, China said a capable person could only perform effectively where the “track” was suitable.
“An athlete may have the ability to win, but if the track is filled with obstacles, the opportunity can become a trap,” he said.
