When October 1st comes every year, it always remind me of how far we have come as a country. This year makes it 65 years since Nigeria got her independence, and truly the journey has not been an easy one. Different people celebrate it in different ways, but for me, I believe Independence is more than just the green and white flags we raise up, it is about our culture, our history and the unique things that makes us Nigerians.
One thing I love so much about this country is the culture. Nigeria is a land of different tribes and languages, but no matter the difference we still find a way to blend together. For example, the food we eat alone shows how rich we are. From pounded yam and egusi in the west, to tuwo and miyan kuka in the north, to afang and edikang ikong in the south, and even nkwobi and abacha in the east. Each food is not just something to fill the stomach, it carry story, it carry tradition. Personally, my best food is pounded yam and efo riro. Anytime I eat it, especially when it’s well prepared with assorted meat, it always make me thank God that I am Nigerian.
Another thing that stand out is our dressing. Till today, you will see people rocking agbada, isiagu, george wrapper, aso oke and even danshiki with pride. Even if the world is moving fast with modern fashion, our people still find a way to represent our local dressing at weddings, parties and big occasions. That one shows that culture no dey fade easily.
When I think about Independence, I also remember people who really served this country with their life and time. For me, I always remember my uncle who was in the Nigerian army. He use to tell us stories of how soldiers work hard even without enough support. Though he is late now, anytime Independence day comes, I just remember him and his sacrifice. Apart from family, I also admire people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, and others who fought for Nigeria to stand on her own. They may not be perfect, but they gave their best for us to be free today.
But if I talk true, Nigeria still get plenty wahala. Corruption, bad roads, unstable power supply, poor health system, and even insecurity are still holding us back. Sometimes it feels like we dey move forward but at the same time still dey drag back. The good thing is, Nigerians no dey give up. We are very resilient people, and I believe if we can fix leadership and also hold ourselves accountable, we can still achieve the dream our heroes had.
Music and books are also another place where Nigeria shine well. Afrobeat has carried Nigeria to the world stage, and when you hear people like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage making waves, you just know we have something to be proud of. In literature too, writers like Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie have shown that Nigeria’s stories can touch the whole world.
Independence celebration may last only one day, but truth be told, being Nigerian is something we live everyday. It is in our food, our dance, our struggles, our hustle spirit, and the hope that one day this country will be better than it is today. For me, that is what makes Independence meaningful – not just remembering where we came from, but also believing in where we are going.
Happy Independence Nigeria!
