Friday, 1st October
Today marks the independence of the noble nation, Nigeria. To begin, I would appropriately giving honour to whom honour is due, i.e my country, and I would do that by reciting the National Anthem.
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leader's right
Help our youths the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty height attain
To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Nigeria celebrates 61 years of independence. It is a day in her history which marks the proclamation of independence from British rule on 1, October 1960. Yes! It's obvious that there is a lot of history that needs to be unpacked and the journey getting here, amidst insurmountable odds was tantamount to a lost cause but here we are, still one giant nation celebrating 61 years. I couldn't be any prouder.
The people, culture, notable achievements, celebrations, events etc that has occurred over time since independence cannot be overemphasised. Nigeria, at her best is filled with diverse cultures, languages, delicacies, natural endowments and resources, philanthropists, patriots, some much beauty, among other things and at her worst, is filled with unsavoury aspects, apolitical citizens, disregard for the rule of law, abuse of power, crime syndicates, lack of infrastructures etc. Nigeria is not a perfect nation but I like to think that her people are doing the best they can.
Diving into these notable events, I would to call attention to one of the very many events that has influenced my convictions for my country and impacted me greatly. It is the advent of the EndSARS movement.
The EndSARS movement, I would say was the most symbolic, iconic and altruistic experience I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing in this country and I for one, am glad to have been part of it. To have watched the youth of our generation take to the streets, speaking truth to power, wanting nothing less than better treatment from the so-called authorities that's charged to protect and serve citizens, also demanding good governance from those who seat in power was nothing short of inspirational. It helped me see that there's hope for us as a nation, yet. The movement alone was a wake-up call for youths. Those of us who acknowledged and supported the cause physically or virtually must be extremely proud of their efforts because it was incredibly patriotic.
Truth be told, the cause did come with its fair share of insolence, horror, violence and loss which as one would expect gave rise to the grim and somber nature towards its denouement not precluding the sadistic and cruel encounter with in my opinion, the highly mismanaged, completely inept and seemingly incompetent sorry excuse for a military at Lekki Toll Gate. It was an unfortunate and abysmal incident. Sacrifices were made for the cause and I'd like to think those gracious and worthy sacrifices weren't futile.
Having to recount the experience feels a little nostalgic. I know for a fact that we did good with the movement. It was only a start to achieving greatness and the onus is now on us to not settle for anything less than a brighter future for us and generations to come.
What better way to end this writeup than with a pledge to my country. Not just any pledge but the national pledge...
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.
God bless us all, God bless Nigeria!
The.Ada signing out.
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Just as you have pledge stay true to it no matter the pressure and situation the country might find herself. Nigeria is a great nation.