October 1st, 2025 marks 65 years of Nigeria’s independence. A day that should be filled with joy, pride, and gratitude, yet, for many Nigerians, it feels more like a day of questions than answers.
I came across some pictures that struck me deeply: a young woman wrapped in the Nigerian flag, crying behind prison bars, and later eating by a dumpsite. To me, she embodies the story of our beloved nation, a people clothed in the colors of hope, yet trapped by chains of hardship.
The Reality Behind the Celebration
For decades, Nigeria has been called the “Giant of Africa.” But giants are meant to walk tall. Today, many Nigerians find themselves crawling under the weight of:
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🔒 Corruption that locks opportunities away from the poor.
🥣 Poverty and hunger that make even daily bread a luxury.
💔 Insecurity that cages dreams and fuels fear.
🌍 Brain drain as our brightest minds seek refuge in other nations.
If independence means freedom, then we must ask: Are we truly free?
The Bright Side of Nigeria
Yet, to speak only of struggles is to miss the other half of Nigeria’s story. In spite of everything, Nigeria shines in many ways:
🎶 Music: From Fela Kuti the legend 😎😊 to Burna Boy, Asa to Davido, Nigerian music has broken borders, carrying our rhythm to every corner of the globe.
📚 Literature: Writers like Chinua Achebe, my mentor has been telling me about this great writer not until I came across their works, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Wole Soyinka have told our stories with depth and power, reminding the world of our voice.
⚽ Sports: From Jay-Jay Okocha, (lol 😂 in my tender age I was hearing about him and watching Jay-Jay on TV,) to Victor Osimhen, Nigerians have lifted the flag proudly on international fields.
💻 Creativity & Tech: Young Nigerians are building apps, creating content, and even thriving on platforms like Hive, where our words and creativity are shaping digital futures.
These are not just achievements; they are proof that Nigerians are resilient, talented, and unstoppable when given the chance.
Lessons from Our Heroes
History reminds us that independence did not come easy. Leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello believed in a free Nigeria. They had flaws, yes, but they had vision.
On a personal note, I also think of unsung heroes, teachers, parents, traders, farmers, everyday Nigerians who sacrifice daily for the good of their families and communities. Their perseverance inspires me more than speeches.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Nigeria at 65 is a reminder that independence is not just about lowering a colonial flag, but about raising a people’s dignity. To move forward, we must:
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Demand accountability, leaders must serve, not steal.
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Empower the youth, education, innovation, and tech must be prioritized.
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Rebuild values, honesty, hard work, and love for one another must be revived.
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our diversity is not a curse but a strength.
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Harness creativity, from music to blockchain, Nigerians can lead the world.
A Call for Hope
The images of suffering are real, but they are not the end of our story. Just as the eagle on our coat of arms soars, I believe Nigeria can rise again.
Yes, Nigeria is 65 years old, but our future is still young. Our independence must not just be a history to celebrate, but a destiny to build.
💚🤍💚 Nigeria will rise. Hope is not lost.
This is the source of the images 👇👇👇 Source