Nigeria Is +1 Today

Nigeria is +1 today. Growing older, I guess. Imagine what someone who celebrated Nigeria’s independence in 1960 might have envisioned the future Nigeria to be by now. Most would probably have bet that, even if Nigeria was not fully developed in 20 years, it would at least provide comfortable lives for her citizens because they were now free from colonial rule. Alas, here we are, 66 years later, and we are still learning how to walk properly without support.

As a child growing up, Independence Day was usually a fun day. The complaints of the older folks had nothing to do with us. We didn’t understand what they were saying. Independence to us meant no school, march-past, food, watching television programmes, and maybe a little celebration and refreshments after the march-past. And it was really fun. Competing with other schools during the march-past, trying to know who was the best and who would collect the cup—it was all part of the excitement.

If only we knew that as we grew older, independence would begin to carry a different meaning.

This morning feels like every other morning, waking up in a country where the lives of its citizens are not always promised. People don't even wish one another a “Happy Independence Day,” which should be today’s ringing tone. Instead, the more popular greeting seems to be, “Happy New Month,” because today is October 1st.

This morning, my side feels colder, as if October wants to introduce harmattan. Shops are still closed, and only a few vehicles are passing. I guess the good thing about today is the rest it offers government workers. I am writing from an area that has had no power supply for seven months. I can confidently say my area gained independence from electricity too. 😂

Irrespective of all these, Nigeria is a lovely place. It is just bad governance that is disrupting the atmosphere. There might be a change, although it may take time.

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Happy Independence, my people. One love. 🇳🇬