Many would be quick to analyse, condemn, discuss and compare the state of the nation being 55 years after we got independence, well, that's not bad. But isn't it good for a man at 55 to thank God for the years past spent? Ask any 55 years old man and he will tell you it has been rough and tough, appointments and disappointments, joys and sorrows, ups and downs, successes and failures, but yet he will be grateful for the privilege of being alive to see 55.
How does Nigeria fit in? Is there anything to thank God for? Why should we thank God? The truth is, even though we are not where we ought to be but thank God we are not where we used to be. Let me just share few reasons why we must be grateful:
1. That 55 years gone and we are still together as a nation. Some countries are not so fortunate; even after independence they disintegrated.
2. That even though lives and properties were lost during the Biafiaran War, we didn't loose everything.
3. That even though our economy is not as buoyant as we expect, it's still a dream some other countries hope to achieve. The truth is our economy is still better than that of some other countries.
4. That terrible diseases (such as Polio, laser fever, typhoid and the recent one Ebola) that ravaged the country in time past did not wipe out the whole country. You will agree with me that those diseases can wipe out a whole nation and In fact some nations lost quite a number of their citizens to them.
5. That even though we've had tough and rough elections (1992, 1999, 2003, 2007,2011, 2015) we are still standing today.
6. That the prediction that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015 was annulled. You too must have envisaged that but you were surprised we didn't.
7. That we have access to technology even though not as we ought to but probably you should just imagine ourselves without the 'little' technology that we have.
8. That though we all complain of degrading education system yet you and I and even your children have gone to school/some are still in school, graduating from Universities and yet some are causing mighty waves with the knowledge acquired under this 'degrading' educational system.
9. That though there are insufficient jobs for the teaming populace, we still have peace to move round looking for job and those that have could still go about their work. Remember nothing can be built in a time of war.
10. That though religious and ethnic crisis still persists, the nation is still stable. If God has not given peace, our 'skinny' security system can't give us an inch of it.
11. That though our health system is faulty but have you thought of those surgery done and successful that were unnoticed and unannounced.
12. That though we are plagued with the problem of leadership, we've never had someone like Hitler.
13. And finally, that you are alive to Criticise and Celebrate Nigeria. Those that are dead are no longer bothered by how Nigeria is.
I can go on and on and i'm sure there are those that will disagree about these reasons to be grateful but then at least they should be thankful for the last reason.
Don't let us be too sarcastic, negative and pessimistic about this nation; but let's look back with gratitude and look forward with hope of a brighter future. Let's use the experience of yesterday and the potential and resources God has given us to stir the course of this nation towards being the great nation God has designed and purposed us to be.
Remember, even though we are not where we ought to be but yet we are not where we used to be; far from where we've been, closer to where we need to be.
John F. Kennedy, one of the few presidents of nations that inspires me, said, 'Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country' Nigeria is our country and it's imperative that you and I contribute positively to her growth and development. The fact that others are busy doing the wrong things doesn't sentence you to do same. Do the right thing always. Dare to be different. Your stand in truth and integrity counts. You and I should do everything in our capacity to make this nation a better and a great one.
Live responsibly, act gallantly, talk reasonably, work actively and stand firmly.
Together we shall see the Nigeria of our dreams and be glad we are Nigerians.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA!!!
©theINSIGHT 2015
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