Happy Independence Day – Nigeria at 52
Posted on Monday, October 1st, 2012 at 7:01 AMBy Adeola Adeyemo
Today, October 1st 2012, Nigeria celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary. Quoting the words of the first Independence Day speech by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s Prime Minister in 1960, “This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us on the road when we had so nearly reached our goal. But now we have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace: it has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations.”
52 years on, Nigeria has been through its ups and downs. As many people would say, we are not yet where we are supposed to be but we are relentless, and we are still forging ahead.
Yesterday, at an interdenominational church service to mark the 52nd independence anniversary of the nation at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan stated that he could not solve Nigeria’s problems alone and only the collective efforts of all would take the country forward.
Punch quoted the President saying, “Leadership at all levels of government is a collective thing. One person cannot change a nation. The President, governors, lawmakers, members of the judiciary alone cannot do it.
“The leader matters but he cannot change things alone. All Nigerians, men and women, will change things in the country.
“If God can use Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, in all arms of governments, I believe we have many Nehemiahs. There are many of them among teachers, artisans, and clergy.
“God will use these various Nehemiahs to rebuild this country. I can say again that Nigeria will succeed; with our cooperation we shall succeed!”
As we reflect today, let us take a cue from the President’s words and contribute our own little quota to the growth of our Nation. Everyone of us has a role to play, and together, we can make a positive change in our nation.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
What are your thoughts and hopes for Nigeria at 52?
Photo Credit: Nuru Jay Agbaje
Tags: Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, Goodluck Jonathan, Happy Independence Day, Nigeria at 52, October 1st 1960
GOD BLESS NIGERIA WITH A BRIGHTER FUTURE.HAPPY INDEPENDENCE MY BELOVED COUNTRY.
May God help us. I am seriously discouraged but I will keep doing positive things in the hope that it will get better someday. Father Lord, have Your way. Amen.
touched. so honest.
Very true, this change lies in each and every one of us
Happy independence to nigeria though I still feel like a slave bur I guess things would get better.
God Bless Nigeria!!!!!!!! Even with all the bad news I know that one day Nigeria would shine!!!!!!! <3
When!
Happy Independence Day
We shall provide you constant electricity
We shall pump water, to every district and city
So vote for me.
Are we still on that
When are going to be we be past that
Leaders plunder our treasury
Money kept away, in foreign bank
Same promises made to we
Since the 70’s
People sleeping hungry
Dreams dying while they’re living
Youth’s way out is crime
Others rapping and singing
Maybe one day they’ll shine
The very bold amongst them
Go make cash at the shrine
Those that can afford the plane fare
Are feeling away as fast as they can
Our school are nothing to write home about
So many graduate, not enough job to go round
Then they start with ka-booming my peoples,
Up there in the north
My condolence to them families
Who lost loved ones
What more can I say
Too many hitches, to drive one insane
But still I’ll bend my knees
Still I will pray
And in my little way, I will birth a change
I refuse to complain
After it is said and done
This is my place
In my heart, anywhere else
Gets the honour of second place.
I love Nigeria
I believe in Nigeria
She shall raise again!!
Our country is in chaos.God send us an angel to quench dis fire, 4 it is by ur divine interventnshal man prevail.
I pray that the Lord touches the heart of each and every one of us, to make us less of a nation of complainers and more of doers. I honestly believe that the major problem with this country is that we all know the problems and how to (in theory, anyway) change things but only a negligible number of us ACTUALLY do anything. I know the government has failed us, but even worse, we have failed ourselves. We are as much to blame as the corrupt politicians that we are always so quick to judge. Because the truth is that if more of us contributed, notwithstanding the ineptitude of those in government, we would be farther than we are now in development.
http://ajiristyle.blogspot.com/
Happy Independence Day Nigeria, it shall be well with you IJN. Amen
happi independence day celebration Nigerians,,,i take a cue from what the president said…building Nigeria is a collective effort
That day is coming when Nigeria will be the envy of all Nations. I pray we will all live to see that day in Jesus name. But until then, no matter what happens, lets keep praying and keep the hope alive. God Bless Nigeria.
http://dprodigalchild.wordpress.com/
Happy independence to all Nigerian, it shall be well to all peacefull Nigerian.
God bless Nigeria!
http:www.edifyempower.com
God bless Nigeria!
http://www.edifyempower.com
God bless Nigeria. Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta (the strugle continues, victory is certain)
Happy independence day to my great country NIGERIA. i believe we can reach our goal if only we are supportive and love the country dearly. love u my beautiful nation with beautiful people.
Am proud to be a Nigerian,God bless our country and help us make it better In Jesus name,Amen..Happy Independence day
Happy Independence Day to you all! Let’s continue to pray and hope that Nigeria will eventually grow up and behave like a real, responsible “adult” among nations. After all, it’s now 52 years today it gained independence from GB and free to determine her own destiny! The so-called leaders have to be told in stark terms that it is now enough of: the corruption; bad governance; poor or non-existing infrastructure; the extreme poverty among the teeming population (in a country that ranks 7th among world oil exporters); completely collapsed educational system; moribund health service and hospitals…., and the list goes on, and on. Despite all this, I still love the place and I’m sure that one day our good God will perform His miracle on that nation (Amen). Once more, happy Independence Day.
Happy independence day Nigeria and remain blessed.
Rome was not built in a day. We will surely get there in IJN.
Leadership is a collective responsibly and all hands must be on deck to move the country to a greater height We shall overcome all odds and get to our promise land our country is greater than any individual So there must be unity in diversity Happy independence Nigeria is marching forward
Chude likes to say just pick up a (farming implement of choice
and start digging. Basically, start doing your own bit. Not criticize. Not analyze. Not suggest. DO. Grab your own piece of responsibility and get down to it. Peace.
happy independence day god bless 9ja and give us good leaders ameen
I love Nigeria
I believe in Nigeria
She shall raise again!!
happy independence day Nigeria and remain blessed.