Today marks the 59th year that the Nigerians gained freedom from the British, but some still aren’t sure how to better celebrate this freedom. Some question whether celebration is actually called for.

Nigeria, like many countries in Africa and around the world, wasn’t founded with the intention of building a City-State, but it came to a point where the intention of the “founders” didn’t matter. What was important and still is, is the intention of the owners. So who are the owners, and how do they celebrate this day?

Obtained from Femi-Fani-Kayode Facebook page, here is a brief history about Nigeria, delivered by a man called Richard Akinjide, who was a key player among the Nigerian leaders you saw in the video above

Here is the Nigeria’s National Anthem, adopted after the Biafra War taught to and sung by every child from school age. It even has a pledge recitation to it:

(1.) 

Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

(2.) 

O God of creation,
Direct our noble cause;
Guide our Leaders right:
Help our Youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice reign.

Here is the Nigerian National Anthem before the Biafra War. Some head-swelling texts are emphasized:

 (1.)
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all and proud to serve Our sovereign motherland

(2.)
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto our children
A banner without stain


(3.)
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed

 

The Nigeria National Pledge:

I pledge to Nigeria, my country
To be faithful, loyal, and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God.

Your turn: how should Nigerians celebrate their Independence Day….with

• Dance, music and food?
• Chant and songs?
• Prayers and echoes?
• Talks?
• Just chill at home?
• All of the above?
• None of the above?

What do you think? Share your comments below.

This Burna Boy’s album celebrates the Nigerian Independence. Here is: ‘Another Story‘

A British company that has money and influence, British Movietone, in collaboration with AP, has gone ahead and put together the video of the British “handover” of Nigeria to Nigerians on October 1st, 1960. Bet the Nigerians can’t even track this video in their own National archive. Watch: