I regret sharing birthday with a failing nation, says labour leader born October 1, 1960

Hunger, poverty, failed reforms

But at 65, Nted is more concerned about Nigeria’s present than his past. He laments that “it has been very tough, both for me and my family. But I thank God daily, because my sufficiency is in His hands, not in man’s. Things have been rough in this country, but leaders keep saying the economy is moving well. The reality is that people are still suffering.

“It didn’t start from President Tinubu—it began with past leaders. But if you accept leadership, you must take responsibility. You can’t keep blaming those before you. Once you are in office, you must do the right thing and show people progress. That is the only way we can support you fully.

“Every day I get 200 calls asking for food. People are dying of starvation. Things were better before, but today Nigerians can’t eat. Reforms are not feeding the people.”
He warned political leaders against endless excuses.

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“If you know you cannot manage, don’t accept leadership. Stop blaming the past. Nigerians are tired of excuses. Do the job or quit,” he charged.

Corruption, moral decay

Nted did not spare religious leaders either. He accused churches of collecting offerings and tithes while investing in private jets instead of feeding their suffering members.

“Did God ask for money to buy jets? No. That money should go to the needy. Every day people are hungry, yet pastors are buying jets. It is wrong,” he said.

On governance, he warned that corruption continues to weaken Nigeria’s institutions.

“Billions are being stolen daily, yet nothing happens. If cases are not punished, agencies like EFCC will become toothless bulldogs,” he added.

Youth, future of Nigeria

Looking to the future, the labour leader expressed concern over the role of young people. He accused many of selling their votes for small amounts, thereby mortgaging their destiny. “The future belongs to the youth, but many sell their votes for a token and destroy their tomorrow. Unless both government and citizens change, Nigeria will keep going backward,” he warned.

Life of gratitude

Despite his harsh assessment of Nigeria, Nted remains grateful for his own journey — from the riverbanks of hardship to union leadership and now to retirement at 65.