By Osarennoma Ogbeide
Dear Nigeria,
Wow! 60 years is a lot. The buzz about your big day has been on for a while; a special logo was even made just for you too. We have been taught in school about your history, about your parents and even your naming ceremony; how you have great capacity, treasures and resources yet untapped on the inside of you. How you were able to birth 36 children that have become nations of their own beats me. Not only are you the mother to them all, but your sole existence is one reason why your children strive to be united, for the sake of ‘one Nigeria’.
You’ve had several people care for your children over the years, people we call leaders, some who have steered your children towards the right path and maybe others who didn’t do as much as you would have liked. We discover new things about you every day despite your age but yet, we still expect more. Can you blame us? I believe we see the great things you’ve achieved so far, but more so, we know that there’s greater potential in you and even though we nag here and there, we just want to push you to be your best.
Many have given up on you, commenting on how you lack proper education or how the kind of economy you provide us with is poor. People could go on and on talking about your qualities that they dislike; in fact it’s a juicy topic in gatherings. These rants may be true or perhaps short-sighted, but I can trust that you’re not blind to all that needs attention. However, on this your day, we chose to highlight the positives and not the negatives, we choose to celebrate you and not degrade you.
Every October 1st is one to praise your achievements, admire your culture, dwell on your dynamics and join you in celebrating how far you’ve come and how long you still have to go. And on this day I pray for more blessings on you and your children, more grace to be a better figure and more years in peace and unity. As I write this, I hope to be speaking the minds of many who haven’t forgotten the pledge we made to you. Happy birthday Nigeria! Have a good one.
