#NigeriaAt55: 5 Reasons Independence Is Worth Celebrating

Nigeria is 55-years old today, October 1, having gained independence from British rule in 1960.
To many people, Independence Day is not worth celebrating due to a lot of challenges the nation is facing.
A lot of people are wondering why the celebration when there is so much hardship, deadly attacks from insurgents and other security challenges. Recall that it was during the 50th Independence celebration that an explosion occurred just outside Eagle Square, the venue of the grand celebration. Since then, the celebration has been low-key and held inside the Presidential Villa.

It is very glaring that the nation is riddled with high-levels of poverty, corruption, poor governance and insurgency. We are still divided along tribal and ethnic lines and the gap between the rich and poor is getting wider. So, what is worth celebrating you may ask?



1. The people have managed to remain united:
In spite of all these challenges and deficiencies, we have managed to remain one. Nigeria has its own problems just like every other country. For the fact that the nation still exists despite all the damage done to her socially, politically and economically is enough reason to celebrate. We are not at war. We all would not be going about our businesses if there was war. It is only when there is peace that business can thrive.

2. The nation has come a long way:
We have managed to achieve some things as a nation. Any achievement no matter how small is worth celebrating. A lot of us complain that the nation has achieved nothing but that thing we consider ‘nothing’ has gone a long way to making us what we are today. Yes, we all know that most nations have gone ahead of us and we keep making comparisons. One thing we should know is that those nations also have their own challenges. There are also people sleeping on the streets in those nations.

3. There is still hope:
We might not be where we want to be or that major power we hoped to be but there is still hope. The whirlwind of corruption, bad leadership, terrorism and unstable economy has not been able to snuff out that hope. As long as there is life there is hope.

4. Wallowing in self-pity has never helped anybody:
You celebrate your birthday not because you have become the richest man or you don’t have problems. How has all the lamenting and self-pity helped this nation. If we want to see this country change for the better, we must learn to do things differently. Those who think abusing the nation will make things better are only deceiving themselves. After all, you don’t insult your father because he is not one of the richest men.

5. Nigeria still has a few good men and women:
The fact that the leaders have failed the nation does not mean that everybody has failed. There are still some honest and responsible people out there who have not and will not sell their souls for money. There are still people who are making sacrifices for the nation and taking giant strides. You too can be one of them instead of just sitting and complaining. No one will come from outside to build Nigeria, it is your responsibility as her citizen to do your own bit. A lot of people blame the leaders for corruption, but sit down and reflect: are you any better? You still offer bribes, jump queues and beat traffic. The change begins with you.

Insulting Nigeria on Independence Day for not being like the USA or other more developed countries is like insulting your father on his birthday for not being like Dangote. Let’s all change this attitude of pessimism and hopelessness and believe that one day Nigeria will get it right.

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