Lois Otse Adams
This year’s independence day celebration is important, knowing the fact that, by the Nigerian Constitution, it is the last independence day anniversary to be celebrated with under President Muhammadu Buhari-led- administration; to Nigerians, it is symbolic, an independence to reckon with, being an edition that sees to the end of an eventful era.
We will not be fair to young Nigerian voters/ electorates if we stay back and refuse to guide them on knowing who they are as Nigerians and what role they have to play in nation building, also to expose them to history behind nation-hood. There is also the need to remind ardent voters to come brave and bold to ensure they come together and chart a positive way forward in chosing a capable and compassionate leader with their power of PVCs come February 2023.
Looking back and understanding our forefathers’ struggles for freedom of our dear country, Nigeria, is enough wake-up call to be patriotic enough to improve their past deeds, atleast if we can not improve what they left behind, we should endeavour to cultivate the spirit of maintenance so that when history is taught there is something to show for it.
Young and potential electorates are excited to vote, campaigns have commenced and they are here and there, but they should first have a focus by understanding Nigeria, as their identify before they start to contribute their quotas, this is will enable them understand the system better than being ignorant, to ensure that they take responsibility of their actions, this is the only way they can get it right with their votes because one can not give what he/she does not have.
We are celebrating Nigeria’s 62nd year freedom from foreign authority, our independence.
Nigeria’ Independence Day is today, every October 1. It is a day the country got her freedom from British rule which occurred in 1960. Since then, the government of Nigeria celebrates this day as public holiday annually and it got every Citizen excited to be reminded, that, indeed we are free.
It is a day set aside for Nigerians to celebrate, the Country’s President addresses Nigerians on national issues, this marks the beginning of the festivities, as early as 7:00am Citizens are glued to their radio and television for the live broadcast. A time to encourage patriotic Nigerians, a time to speak to Nigerians to sit-tight, a time to give hope to many, a time to reassure Nigerians that the confidence placed in political office holders that steer the ship of leadership will not be in vain, a time to evaluate the past, a time to tell ourselves that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain; a time to evaluate the present and present plans towards a better future of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is also a time where Citizens crave to read criticism on Newspapers and listen to television and radio stations as the reigning administration is rated by social critics.
The history behind Nigerian Independence Day is European influence in modern-day Nigeria which began in the 16th century when the first explorers from Spain and Portugal began trading with locals, leading to the development of ports in the Lagos axis. But the British became an increasingly dominant influence on the region in the late 19th century, through the Royal Niger Company, resisting attempts to expand in the region.
In 1900, the territories under the control of the Royal Niger Company became the Sothern Nigeria Protectorate. In 1914, this was combined with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to create the Colony and also Protectorate of Nigeria; which forms the borders of modern-day Nigeria.
However, many aspects of modern life in Nigeria were established under the period of British Rule, but by the middle of the 20th century, the call for independence became to sweep across Africa, and the decline of the territories in the British Empire led to Nigeria being granted independence on October 1st 1960, under a constitution with a parliamentary government and also a degree of autonomy for the country’s three regions.
Nigeria marked total independence from Britain when it became a federal republic and a new constitution was adopted. On 1st October, 1963 with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first president.
Significance of Independence Day means the marking of Nigeria’s proclamation of independence from British rule. Nigeria was granted full independence from Great Britain. The country received its Freedom, on 1st October 1960; from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen’s representative at the Nigerian independence ceremonies. May her soul rest in peace, amen. Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, announced the country’s independence in his speech read at what was then known as the ‘Race Course’; alongside Princess Alexandria and Sir. James Robertson.
The journey to independence had started earlier with some constitutional developments that saw the country attaining self-rule in some quarters in 1957 and eventually led to the formation of the federal republic of Nigeria and total independence on 1st October 1960.
It is today, October 1st, it has been designated a national holiday, to commemorate the day Nigeria eventually laid down its claim to be a free, as well as independent nation from the United Kingdom. As this special day ushers in new leaders, what role have you decided to play as electorates/voters? Have you made up your mind to imbibe the spirit of freedom from the hands of bad leadership and those who jeopardized the country’ pride and still bent on draining the economy and stand tall to say No to another version of slavery?
Be reminded that today, Independence Day, tagged ‘National Day’ in Nigeria is celebrated by patriotic citizens, across all of 36 states and Nigerians globally, regardless of ethnicity and religion. How patriotic are you? are you tribal or religious to the extent of giving your vote to someone you know can not add value to nation building just because he or she is from your tribe and same faith? This is to remind you of the essence of being a patriotic Nigeria, whose spirit craves for internal independence and freedom from deceitful government.
On this morning and as the President delivers the much expected speech, as we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day and also as the country’s green-white-green flag will be unfurled with the singing of the national anthem in the nation’s capital city, Abuja, I urge Nigerians, women, electorates, image and decision makers, traditional rulers, etc to rise up to live and improve the positive legacies of our forefathers.
While I congratulate my fellow Compatriots on the 62nd Independence Day Celebration, I wish the present administration a successful transition, as I wish party candidates safety campaigns and healthy consultations.
