Fifty seven (57) years ago, the joy and happiness in the air was enough to choke sorrow out. That joy that was written on the faces of every Nigerian; that joy that showed how sweet ones freedom could be. Oh! That joy of independence!
Our fore fathers chanted independence like their lives depended on it.
They came together irrespective of their diversity in ideologies and political activities, they wanted this independence so badly because they never wanted the next generation to be brought forth into captivity.
They saw a great nation that if well-handled could become the world next super power.
Oh! That dream of independence that sounded more like a pledge that must be achieved.
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained her Independence; this singular declaration put a stop to the imperial domination by our then slave masters – Britain.
The birth of Nigeria was heralded with the Green and White Flag fluttering in the cold and misty October night symbolizing the aspirations of millions who had looked forward with hope to the end of British rule with promises of a brighter future.
Finally, the freedom was here and everyone became “tipsy” of it, yet we were not satisfied. We clamoured for a Republican state which we got.
Everyone went about their businesses. Before we knew it greed came to play, selfish motives became the order of the day and oh!, that dream of independence became a mirage.
Soon enough, it began to look like this so called independence was a prey in the midst of hungry wolves. It began to look like a stage set for a “political drama”.
That independence that staged a new Nigeria devoid of the Britain’s touch; that same independence that gave power and right to the youngest child in Nigeria.
However, it is the same independence that have become entangled and froth with political rivalry, corruption, nepotism, tribalism and an overt display of prebendal politics.
Don’t get me wrong, I mean this same independence came with a lot of good packages too.
It pioneered self-governance till this very moment, made us the king of Africa and showed how well we can handle this country on our own… even with a lot of hiccups here and there which is inevitable.
At independence, the young Nation was expected to play a leading role in the world; it was expected to be a future economic and political powerhouse and the pride of the black race, however, that was 57 years ago.
Today, the dream of a great Nation has become a nightmare.
It has been 57 years of a failed or failing dream to many. Hopes have turned to despair; frustration and anger are widespread across the land.
The dream at independence seems to be deferred.
Yes, of a truth a lot has happened to us as a nation with different seceding governments throwing the masses into long nights of sorrows and short-lived joyous daybreaks.
As a people, we have had our share of pain and pleasure, boom and gloom, economic and political crest and troughs. Let’s for a moment be oblivious of our overwhelming problems and remember to celebrate our little wins and victories.
As we celebrate our Independence which is founded mostly on the sweats and bloods of our Heroes past, let’s ensure that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
It’s another year to count our blessings not our curses; our gains not our losses.
So let us look at the brighter side of a changed country and hope for a better tomorrow.
God bless Nigeria!
