INDEPENDENCE DAY!
By the word independence, it means there was once a situation of slavery, suffering, unlawful treatments and so on but after which there comes FREEDOM and LIBERTY away from all the previous way of living that doesn't beget happiness to mankind.
Backtrack to years before 1960 when we were yet to be independent and still being colonized by the British based on history, our dear citizens suffered, worked and according to how history have it that most people that were trafficked overseas back then and didn't head back home after the whole thing are the origin of blacks among the whites like for instance Black Americans.
Nigeria then had the beauty of people of diverse tribe of over a 100 tribes but categorically Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa of diverse cultures, traditions, language, food, mode of dressing and the likes. Though there may be a little disparity but the way we work around uniting and embracing our cultures make us distinctly recognized as a nation. We have philosophers, great learned people and talented who have blessed us in music, writing and other artistic skills, giving us an evergreen memory to reckoned with.
Though it's so sad that what our predecessors fought for may have still ended up happening indirectly, leaders of different level or arm of government enslaving their dear citizens to yardwork, hardship and poor economy. Masses are subjected to suffering from the consequences of the leaders act of corruption every day by day. Truthfully and sincerely, these things happens in other countries too but still they take it to heart to ensure they are doing the needful to improving the economy of their dear nations but here in Nigeria, I could say corruption eludes the mindset of executing the project list to making the nation a better place.
With no mind to banter anyone cos we are all involved in making things better but masses are really really suffering. The rate at which we labour so hard to be able to feed ourselves and live like a normal citizen does not in anyway make us look like flock of sheep with a shepherd. We have resources that could generate income for the nation to survive but the income is only incoming to the pockets of some individuals.
Now, it doesn't matter anymore even if there's a good president with good motive because the people in his political caliber might be an obstruction to fulfilling his good motive and making the masses to suffer more. The only weapon they use against themselves politically is the lives of the masses for increase in poverty and insecurities with the mindset of "if this happens then his government or regime won't get to win for 2nd term". We've now turned an object of games on their game of politics.
People die and do outrageous things because of hunger and poverty whereas some people are somewhere devouring the resources meant for a nation to themselves and generations to come.
Unfortunately, there is a court, verdict and prison for someone who stole bread to eat but there's none for someone who embezzles millions and billions of naira.
If at all, one is apprehended for eyes and mouth sake, it doesn't take a while before he or she is replaced in the prison with another person.
Remembering how people struggled to loot the palliatives originally meant for them during the COVID-19 lockdown and curfew still makes my heart cry out on what kind of people we have our lives in their hands. Or was it the time where some Nigeria currency notes had to be changed by dropping the old ones to the bank to receive the new ones and trucks filled with Nigeria currency notes had to be dumped somewhere 💔 because they can't take that large amount to the bank. Suckaways and internal safelock undergrounds built in place of banks for embezzlement where people or masses are out here crying for help and a better life.... So sad! So sad! And heartbreaking.
However, it's still worth it that we are all here together in one voice and diverse tribe to answer the Clarion call of being a Nigerian and that is because some people fought for this freedom we have today as a country and we can vividly say that they are the true heroes and the reason why the remembrance of independence day is still relevant in our hearts today no matter what and how worse the situation of the country may have turned out to be. They remain our inspiration to move on and try further that hopefully someday things will be better.
Just like a part of the previous national anthem that says and I quote:
The labour of our Heroes past, shall never be in vain
So even when we think things are not working out or the hardship is too much, we will never forget the ones who suffered and fought for freedom. We are bound as a nation in love and unity and for me, I know EMPATHY will make everything right in our nation.
Happy Independence Day! Happy 65th Birthday
God bless Nigeria! 🇳🇬
Thanks for reading through.