This morning was really cold. It rained for most of the night. I can't pretend to know when the rain started because I was far gone, "Allahumma sayyiban naafi'an, Oh Allah make it beneficial". I woke up feeling excited and I wondered why then I remembered that today is a monumental day is the history of my country.
Although I wasn't around during the time Nigeria gained her independence, I've heard stories of excited students going to march and waving the green, white, green flag which symbolizes our existence as a Nation. Green for our natural wealth and white for peace. Some other stories I've heard is how our people stayed back home and made progress. They didn't have to go through dangerous and illegal sea voyages in the search for a better life. Women didn't have to go have their babies in foreign countries because we had a health system that works. The standard of education was high and our youths were driven by the zeal to excel.
Although I wasn't around during the time Nigeria gained her independence, I've heard stories of excited students going to march and waving the green, white, green flag which symbolizes our existence as a Nation. Green for our natural wealth and white for peace. Some other stories I've heard is how our people stayed back home and made progress. They didn't have to go through dangerous and illegal sea voyages in the search for a better life. Women didn't have to go have their babies in foreign countries because we had a health system that works. The standard of education was high and our youths were driven by the zeal to excel.
We have come a long way from those times. Our people are more enlightened yet so many live in ignorance. There are a lot more wealthy people yet the lands reek of abject poverty. We have so many doctors but our health system is in a deplorable state. Same can be said for the Judicial and other sectors. Education is no longer seen as a means of empowerment but just something one has to get through. Quality education is an overpriced luxury. Crime is celebrated, corruption is seen as 'mere stealing'. Our youth are driven by pop and 'werey (madness)' culture. Suddenly everyone has a talent for any part of the entertainment industry because it is seen as a quick way to wealth and fame. Leadership is no longer for the benefit of the masses but a quick means of amassing wealth that'll keep generations living in affluence.
This day marks the beginning of a new administration that has promised to bring our nation back to its glory as the giant of Africa and make it even better. They campaigned and promised to bring about change. They made Nigerians believe that all sectors can be reformed by diligence and the commitment to service.
My people were tired of allowing mediocrity to rule over us and supported the advocacy for change. Even those who tried to cause a divide upon the basis of ethnic and religious differences didn't make an impact. Nigerians decided to vote for a leader with a record of integrity and non complacency. Not even his age and questions of his state of health deterred us from wanting to leave the comfort of mediocrity we had found ourselves in. In elections that were the most closely monitored by Nigerians, General Muhammadu Buhari emerged as our leader for the next four year ruling term.
Now we have a new leader, we are optimistic, filled with hope this dawn signifies the beginning of a brand new Nigeria. We however have fears, fears that the system has deteriorated beyond redemption, fears that only a miracle can lift this nation from its deplorable state of ruin. Nigerians have been resilient and it's often said that if you can survive in Nigeria, you can survive anywhere in the world. Now is the time to all work towards the change we desire by being law abiding and patient. It took us years to get to this state. It won't change magically in one day. A great nation is not just about the leaders but the followers too. Good people, Good leaders. Bad people, Bad leaders. Simple.
My people were tired of allowing mediocrity to rule over us and supported the advocacy for change. Even those who tried to cause a divide upon the basis of ethnic and religious differences didn't make an impact. Nigerians decided to vote for a leader with a record of integrity and non complacency. Not even his age and questions of his state of health deterred us from wanting to leave the comfort of mediocrity we had found ourselves in. In elections that were the most closely monitored by Nigerians, General Muhammadu Buhari emerged as our leader for the next four year ruling term.
Now we have a new leader, we are optimistic, filled with hope this dawn signifies the beginning of a brand new Nigeria. We however have fears, fears that the system has deteriorated beyond redemption, fears that only a miracle can lift this nation from its deplorable state of ruin. Nigerians have been resilient and it's often said that if you can survive in Nigeria, you can survive anywhere in the world. Now is the time to all work towards the change we desire by being law abiding and patient. It took us years to get to this state. It won't change magically in one day. A great nation is not just about the leaders but the followers too. Good people, Good leaders. Bad people, Bad leaders. Simple.
Let us pray that our new leader is granted this nation, that he stays true to his promises, that all sectors are reformed and our nation returns to a state of peace and stability.
May this be the dawn of a new era for us, that anywhere in the world we go to, we'll be proud to hold our heads up and say we are Nigerians.
Wa Salaam Alaykum!
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