Fellow Nigerians. How was the birthday celebration?
As I looked around my environment, I could see Nigerians greeting one another with, " Happy Independence!".Text messages were flying all over the place. Radio stations announced special anniversary events and TV stations gave us highlights of those events; where Nigerians came out dressed up in green and white, and all kinds of tributes were made to our uniqueness as a nation.
In a way it was a nice experience...seeing taxi cabs and even personal cars flying small green-white-green flags, hearing people congratulating one another. But at some point I wondered whether these displays of nationalism were truly heartfelt or Nigerians were simply happy for another excuse to stay away from work and party all day long. Trust Nigerians, we love to groove!
It remains to be seen whether one day of national unity and pride will give birth to a season of progress and positive change in society. It is my prayer that it does. If Nigerians could celebrate their independence and value the priviledge to be able to pursue their own fortunes unhindered by any form of colonialism or slavery, everyday...in other words if we could have one whole year of consecutive 1st Octobers!, then maybe a sense of nationalism and hunger for forward movement would prevail and be sustained.
I would be happier seeing a series of forums where Nigerians sit down and analyse where we have come from, where we are now, and what it would take to get to where we ought to be.
Well, for now I will continue in the spirit of celebration and say...Happy Birthday Nigeria...long live the federal republic....May God bless her citizens with wisdom and prosperity.
I believe change can happen. I believe in a greater and better Nigerian society. And all who believe with me say...hip...hip...hip...HOORAY!!!!
