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The Nigeria We Dream Of Begins With Us

Every October 1, we are reminded of the day Nigeria became independent from the British colonial rule. But every year, there is also a question that seems to return: What exactly are we celebrating?

It is a fair question. Nigeria has problems and Nigerians are going through a lot. There are things that should be better, things that should have been better by now, and things that we must not continue to accept as normal.

But does that mean there is nothing to celebrate?

Nigeria is a country of great abundance. We have incredible people, rich cultures, natural resources, creativity, intellect and an energy that continues to produce Nigerians that keep making a difference in different parts of the world.

We have our struggles, but we also have reasons to hope. And perhaps, this is what Independence Day should remind us of – the future of Nigeria will not be shaped by leaders alone. It will also be shaped by the character, choices, and contributions of the people who make up this country.

So, in a way, it begins with us.

We complain about Nigeria, and sometimes rightly so. We demand better leadership, better opportunities, better institutions and a better quality of life, as we should.

But beyond demanding what Nigeria should give us, we should also ask ourselves: What are we willing to give?

Can we contribute to her growth when we have the opportunity? Can we support Nigerian businesses and products where we can? Can we use our skills to solve problems around us? Can we protect public property instead of destroying it? Can we refuse to participate in the things we complain about when we eventually have the opportunity to do so? And can we defend our rights while being mindful of our responsibilities?

Patriotism should not be something so strange that we admire in a few people. It should be something inherent in every citizen.

Sometimes, we become so used to certain things that we stop noticing them. We see the Nigerian flag being missing from places it should be. We see the symbols of other countries proudly displayed while ours is neglected, and simply move on.

While there may be innocent reasons for particular situations, the bigger question remains: Do we still care enough to notice?

Loving your country is not only about singing the national anthem on Independence Day or during school functions but also about respecting what belongs to all of us. It is about performing your duties honestly and refusing to make Nigeria worse simply because you believe someone else has already made it bad. It is about caring enough to speak when something is wrong and caring enough to contribute when you can.

And patriotism does not mean that we must pretend Nigeria is perfect. You can love Nigeria and still be disappointed in her. You can criticise Nigeria and still believe she is worth building. You can demand accountability from those in power and still take responsibility for your own part.

In fact, we should stop treating these things as opposites.
We should also learn to defend Nigeria's dignity wherever we find ourselves. Nigeria deserves to be represented with confidence and respect in the outside world, just as Nigerians deserve to be treated with dignity.

And wherever Nigerians find themselves, we should remember where we come from. There is nothing shameful about being a Nigerian.

Many Nigerians have had to leave the country in search of better opportunities, and of course, there is nothing wrong with pursuing a better life. But if you ever find yourself in a position to contribute something meaningful to Nigeria, do not let distance deter you from your contribution.

Build where you can and give back where you can. Create opportunities where you can and use your knowledge where it can make a difference.

Nigeria may not always give everyone the opportunities or support they deserve, but that should not stop those of us who have something to offer from offering it.

Those before us fought for independence. We may not have witnessed the sacrifices that brought us here, but we inherited the country they built, and now, it is our turn to decide what we will leave behind.

Let us appreciate the sacrifices of those who came before us. Let us celebrate with hope and pray for Nigeria. But let our prayers be accompanied by action.

We should stop laughing at anyone who chooses to believe in this country, and not allow the fear of other people's perception deter us from standing up for what is right and defending the country we call home.

No matter where you find yourself, be proud of being a Nigerian. Carry the name with dignity. Protect what belongs to us and contribute what you can. And when you have the opportunity to make Nigeria better, do not wait for somebody else to do it.

We may not always come first, but Nigerians have repeatedly shown that we can compete, create and excel on the international stage. From academics and sports to culture, creativity and ideas, there is so much talent and ability in this country. It is another reminder of how blessed Nigeria is with people who can make a difference when given the opportunity.

Naija no dey carry last!

We may have been deprived in many ways and may have fallen short in many areas. But there is still so much in Nigeria worth believing in, worth protecting and worth building.

Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.