Six and a half decades ago, a nation, Nigeria, was born not just out of the stroke of a pen or the lowering of the British flag, but out of the deep yearning of a people destined for greatness.
According to history, on October 1, 1960, Nigeria stood tall, clothed in the dreams of her founding fathers and the prayers of generations past.
Today, we mark 65 years of independence, not merely counting the passage of time but celebrating resilience, the unbreakable spirit of a people, and the undying hope that Nigeria will rise to her place of glory.
True, the journey has been turbulent, with the sting of division, the weight of corruption, the pains of poverty, the religious bigotry, and the scars of insecurity, among others. Yet, through it all, we have endured as a nation.
Just like a mother who carries her children close to her heart, and refuses to let go, holding out her arms for peace, for unity, for harmony, and for love to heal her wounds.
Nigeria @65, we must declare with one loud voice that Nigeria will not fail. This nation of diverse tongues and cultures was designed by God Almighty not for destruction, but for progress. Our rivers still flow with promise, our soil still holds abundance, our youths still dream with fire and patriotism in their hearts, and our destiny is still bright with the light of hope.
However, for Nigeria to rise, Nigerians must embrace what binds us: peace instead of conflict, unity instead of division, harmony instead of hatred, love instead of bitterness. The strength of this nation is not in the oil beneath our soil or the gold in our mountains, nor the limestones, and other minerals but in the bond of Nigerians walking as one family under God.
As we step into this new chapter, let us cry out to God for a revival upon our land. A revival that breaks the chains of corruption, silences the drums of war, restores integrity in leadership, empowers the weak, brings sanity into every sector, and breathes new life into our nation’s soul. Only in God’s light can Nigeria shine as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world.
Nigeria @65 Independence is not just an anniversary, it is a call to awakening, to rebuild, to forgive, to love, to dream again, to reflect on our trajectory and to allow God to be our Commander-in-Chief
Let every home, every village, every city, and every state lift up the banner of unity and progress. Let us declare together that peace shall reign in Nigeria. Unity shall bind us. Harmony shall guide us. Love shall flow through us. Progress shall define us. And God’s Revival shall restore us as Africa’s giant.
Happy 65th Independence Anniversary to the most populous black nation in the world, Nigeria.
Patrick Obia is a Journalist and News Editor of CrossRiverWatch and writes from Uganda, East Africa.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Patrick Obia, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.