By Halima Imam
Today marks Nigeria’s Independence Day, a day meant for celebrating freedom and self-governance. As Martina McBride’s anthem reminds us, “It’s Independence Day,” we might feel tempted to sing along with gusto. But let’s keep it real: Nigerians should not dare sing it like we mean it, because our reality is far from the ideals of freedom and celebration. What is there to celebrate when the very essence of independence feels more like a mirage? Eh? As we wave our flags and sing our national anthem, now alarmingly reminiscent of our pre-independence anthem, we must ponder whether we should be laughing or crying.
Once upon a time, our national anthem was a proud call to action, inspiring generations with its hopeful message. However, in recent times have been reversed to the pre-independence anthem, which was obviously rooted in colonial sentiment rather than true national pride. The original anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was composed in 1959 but has recently become the adopted National anthem and it feels like we’re stuck in a time loop, chanting phrases that don’t resonate with the realities of today.
The irony is almost painful. Instead of a rousing call to unity and progress, our anthem has transformed into a sad echo of our struggle for true independence, a reflection of a nation still grappling with the shackles of neo-colonialism, bad governance, economic hardship, and social injustice. It’s no wonder many hear “Arise, O compatriots” and think, “Is this for real?” oh, I forgot its now Nigeria we hail thee something something.
Statistics are stark and unforgiving. As of August 2023, Nigeria’s inflation rate reached a staggering 24.08%, the highest in over two decades. This isn’t just a number; it translates to the daily struggles of Nigerians who are finding it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities. Picture this: spending the whole of your salary just to fill your tank! It’s evident that our independence has come with a hefty price tag, one that weighs heavily on the shoulders of ordinary citizens alone.
Now, let’s address the uncomfortable truth: fake activism. If you’ve been on Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the backlash against individuals who parade as activists, claiming to represent the people’s interests while lining their pockets. The #EndSARS movement, originally ignited to combat police brutality, has seen a rise in individuals who emerged when it was trendy but have since disappeared to enjoy ‘greener pastures’, leaving genuine advocates to pick up the pieces.
It’s a classic case of “when the going gets tough, the tough get going… somewhere else.” Many Nigerians are left questioning the integrity of those who claim to fight for change, because in reality no one is truly angry about the struggles of the average Nigerian, they are just truly mad that they are not a part of the ruling and elite class. Instead of working towards real solutions, these fake activists become mere social media influencers, leveraging the pain of the masses for personal gain. With governance at its worst, these individuals only add fuel to the fire, distracting from the real issues while taking advantage of broken systems.
As we navigate this turbulent reality, let’s not forget the sacrifices made by our founding fathers and nationalists who fought tooth and nail for our independence. Figures like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello and an host of others laid the groundwork for the Nigeria we have today. They envisioned a nation of unity and prosperity, free from colonial rule and oppression.
Their dreams were grand, building a Nigeria where every citizen could thrive, irrespective of their background. But today, as we reflect on their legacy, we must ask ourselves: have we lived up to their expectations? Are we continuing their fight for equality, justice, and good governance, or have we lost our way in the noise of politics and social media trends?
So, are we really independent? Independence should mean that the government is accountable to its people, but what we see is a government that often turns a blind eye to the cries of its citizens or constantly tell us to ‘be patient’. The hunger and frustration that plague our society are constant reminders that independence isn’t just a word; it’s a lifestyle we are far from achieving.
It’s about time we held our leaders accountable and demanded real change. We need to go beyond hashtags and performative activism. We should demand transparency, push for good governance, and encourage genuine dialogue.
While we commemorate Nigeria’s independence today, let’s remember that the journey toward true freedom is a collective effort. We can’t rely on fake activists or hollow promises. The power lies within us, the citizens, to demand what we deserve.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! May we find the strength to challenge the status quo and work towards a better future together. Naija will develop and progress in our lifetime.
