At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation. … now we have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace. It has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations… we concentrated on proving that we are fully capable of managing our own affairs.
And finally, I must express our gratitude to Her Royal Highness, the Princess Alexander of Kent for personally bringing to us these symbols of our freedom and especially for delivering the gracious message from Her Majesty, the Queen, and so, with the words, “God save our Queen”, I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria and of the Commonwealth and indeed of the world.
With the above excerpts, filled with great hope, promise and confidence, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, on Saturday, 1st October 1960, received the symbols of freedom for Nigeria, thus heralding the birth of a sovereign country – Nigeria. The Union Jack was lowered for the Green – White – Green Nigerian flag. A new song thus broke, and our national pride was restored.
Nigeria’s freedom fighters, with courage and sacrifice, wrested independence from colonial rule. Their vision was of a united, prosperous nation where every citizen could thrive. The road to independence was, no doubt, long and tortuous. The battle for the liberation of the country from the two locusts of imperialism and colonialism was fierce. At the forefront of this struggle was a crop of young Nigerians, including the revered Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Chief Anthony Enahoro, among several others. They felt and rightly so, that the dignity of the Nigerian people, the largest black population in the world, must not be allowed to be eroded through pseudo-slavery, especially in the 20th Century when the rest of the world was moving towards collectivism through the individualism of the constituent countries.
But 65 years after, how has the nation fared? What has been the result of the promise of a nation called Nigeria? Can we, as Nigerians, beat our chests and say indeed our independence has birthed what we desire as a people?
While it may not be true to claim that the Nigerian nation has arrived by whatever index of definition, it is equally not true to say that the nation has not made some progress these past 65 years. Yes, it has been long and trying; challenging and inspiring, but it has also been a time that called for our individual and collective resolve and ingenuity. Yes, insecurity, unemployment, and weak institutions continue to test the resilience of our people; the cord of hope binds us in ways that we consistently see hope as our anchor. So, in spite of being a time of gaining some and a time of losing some, the nation has not altogether blown its opportunities for success. The military interregnum, many believe, slowed down the development of our democratic structures and institutions. The Nigerian democratic experience, after the maiden military putsch in January 1966, only effectively slipped back to life in May 1999. To say that the nation has been a huge laboratory of both political and economic experiments is stating the obvious. There have been promises concerning the revival of the groping education sector and the prostrate health sector. The power sector is another nightmare, not only to the Nigerian economy but to the Nigerian people as a whole. Little wonder the Tinubu administration is working very hard to address the myriad of problems confronting these sectors on an emergency basis.
In spite of the obvious shortcomings and the seeming failings of the nation, Nigeria remains a land of immense potential – a heritage to treasure. With a youthful population, vast natural resources, and vibrant creativity, the nation holds prospects of greatness. The resilience of its people – innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs, and professionals – offers a beacon of hope.
At 65, Nigeria stands to forge ahead with unity and shared responsibility. If we all join hands in honesty, hard work, and patriotism, Nigeria can yet become the thriving nation of our dreams.
Something tells me the people are resolved to make the country work. The commitment of the Nigerian people is total and unfailing. Nigerians are prepared to pass through the door of hope, confidently opened on October 1st, 1960. Regardless of the years of war, differences in tongues and creed, the majority of Nigerians have demonstrated their enthusiasm to live together in unity and harmony.
For Nigeria at 65, I am bold to assert that:
Nigeria is the most blessed nation on the African continent. The history of its people predates many empires, ancient and modern. It has the largest social diversity of any nation in the world. It is a congruence of nations and peoples. It has the richest cultural heritage on the continent of Africa. Its natural resources potential is of Biblical proportions. It is a land truly flowing with milk and honey. It is the largest gathering of black people in any geographical sphere and the largest black market in the world. It boasts the highest cadre of black sporting talents and the highest cadre of trained black personnel. Its economy literally drives the West African economy, and it has been at the forefront of the struggle for the emancipation of the black race worldwide. Its culture is a commodity for export to many nations. Its music and cultural dance steps are a major influence in mass and pop culture, and in the field of art, it boasts world-recognised art movements and has produced world-renowned literary icons. It boasts the friendliest and most accommodating people on the face of the earth, tapping richly into the loamy soil of the African concept of hospitality and extended family.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Nigeria, my Nigeria, your Nigeria; a great nation, a land of promises and hope; a heritage to treasure.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
Dayo Awude.
Writes from Akure.
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