Independence Day through a looking glass of time
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its golden hues across the sprawling cityscapes of Lagos, Abuja, and beyond, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. 1st of October approaches, and with it comes Nigeria’s Independence Day, a day that evokes a symphony of emotions as diverse as the nation itself.
In the backdrop of fireworks and jubilant parades, there’s a poignant undercurrent that resonates with every Nigerian. It’s a tale of broken cymbals and voiceless screams, a story etched in the hearts of a people who have weathered the storms of colonialism and civil strife.
Nigeria, a land of a thousand tongues and cultures, is a place where love and hate have danced in an intricate, passionate affair. Like two lovers locked in an eternal embrace, a complex relationship has torn and bound the people with their nation. We’ve endured the struggles of ethnic diversity, political upheavals, and economic challenges that could break the strongest of spirits.
Yet, amidst the broken cymbals and voiceless screams, there have been moments of heartbreak and despair. We have witnessed our hopes dying and being resurrected time and again.” Promises made by leaders have crumbled like dust in the wind, leaving a trail of disillusioned citizens.
A Celebration of Triumph
If there’s one word that encapsulates the Nigerian spirit, it’s “resilience.” In the face of adversity, Nigerians have shown an unparalleled ability to rise above, to dust themselves off, and to march forward with an unshakable determination. The broken hearts and dead hope have given birth to a tenacious resolve that refuses to surrender.
So, when Independence Day comes around, it’s not just a celebration; it’s a triumphant chorus. It celebrates a nation that has endured and has refused to allow its challenges to define it solely. It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerians, who continue to sing their song of hope against all odds.
While we commemorate the day of Independence beyond celebrating a land still riddled with growing pains, we revere a people agonizing for better days, striving to do better, rising above, and kindling individual torches drenched by torrents of rain yet, with each weak glow, they shimmer as bright as a fiery furnace.
We celebrate Nigerians on this day as we take back our country in our own way.
As we don our green and white attires, as the jollof rice simmers on countless stovetops, and as afrobeat fills the airwaves, the Beauty of Nigeria shines through.
“Naija no dey carry last—Nigeria doesn’t fall behind; it forges ahead.
Nigeria’s Independence Day is not just about flags and fanfare. It’s about a nation that has faced trials and tribulations but has emerged stronger with each challenge. About a people who, like broken cymbals, continue to make music despite the cracks. It’s about the resilience, the triumph, and the hope that define the Nigerian spirit. So, on this day, we say, “Happy Independence Day, Naija! Na we biko!”
