miss independence

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.

I haven't sang that in so very long.

I remember once as a child we had to go to a ceremony. My dad told my mother that all his children must know the words to the national anthem off by heart.

I must have been a bit older than 5 years old.

Even though I am not there anymore,
I still know those words now,
Simply because they are etched in my heart.

To your 48 years
I hear that you've been taking care of people since at least 9000 BC
To the fact that you look after about 148 million people now
Within your 36 states
Apparently you are the 8th most populous country
So when I think of all how long and how many you have nurtured
I am filled with pride.

You survived the Portuguese explorers
You survived the colonial rule of the British Empire
You survived the disequilibrium of military rule
You are silent even now as you cope with crippling corruption
Still yours is a land fueled with resources and rich in its traditions
But when I think of all the egocentricities you’ve borne
I am filled with sadness.

Apparently you are the 32nd largest country
They say your regional power cannot be ignored
That you are one of the Next Eleven
A country with an economy with great potential
So what, that China may get there before us?
Our progress is not a race but we will get there
‘Slow and steady’ my mother used to say
I hope we can help you realise your potential
I hope that in doing so we will realise ours
So when I think of what we could achieve in solidarity
I am filled with hope.

Happy Independence Day

God willing, I shall see my beloved Nigeria at Christmas.