Nigerians at home and in the diaspora join the entire world today to celebrate the “Giant of Africa” on the occasion of its Independence.
You probably already know that Nigeria got her independence from Great Britain on October 1st, 1960. Today makes it exactly 59 years since that independence, and that means Nigeria has existed as an Independent nation for 59 solid years.
We found some interesting tweets that show how Nigerians are “celebrating”.
Google Celebrates Nigeria @59
Yeah, this is supposed to be about Twitter, but we couldn’t help but notice Google’s special doodle to celebrate Nigeria on this special occasion. Now, let’s go back to Twitter.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day Speech
Dear Compatriots,
1st October each year is an opportunity for us to reflect and thank God for his endless blessings on our country.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 1, 2019
Of course this was followed by reactions – some applauding the president, others criticising him and hoping DSS don’t come after them. Refer to the President’s official Twitter handle for the entire speech and reactions.
Hopelessness Vs Optimism
As it is usually the case on occasions like this, Nigerians divide on the best way to react to the occasion.
Some expressed their anger and frustration at the state of the nation, posing the question “what exactly are we celebrating?”
#NigeriaAt59, If am to ask a simple Question here.
– What is NIGERIA celebrating??
– What can we show for it, Celebrating the Nation at 59?? pic.twitter.com/WUjjSBrUFx
— ?? D.U.C.E? (@mazi_duce) October 1, 2019
Is Nigeria retrogressing or progressing?
1973: 2 naira = 1 pound
2019: 450 naira = 1 pound
1973: 0.658 naira = 1 dollar
2019: 365 naira = 1 dollar
There was a country whose leaders have turn by turn contributed to its destruction and downfall. #NigeriaAt59
— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) October 1, 2019
Call for peaceful protest you get detained for treason like Omoyele Sowore
Demand for accountability you get jailed for terrorism like Agba Jalingo
Tweet about insecurity you get jailed like Steven Kefas
Take up arms against the state you get amnesty like bandits#NigeriaAt59
— Nafiu T (@nafeezi) October 1, 2019
Did it rain at yours too?
Even the Angels are weeping for Nigeria…see as water full everywhere ??? #NigeriaAt59
— Kolz?? (@oxlade_kola) October 1, 2019
He is angry and it’s quite understandable, true?
#NigeriaAt59 but:
we can't go out 'cus SARS will harass us,
we don't have good roads, electricity,adequate security system,no employment opportunities for the youths yet someone called us lazy. We are your prisoners.
With due respect sir, Fvck you & your independence celebration https://t.co/KtzUsggYrF— Romance and Chaos ???? (@DJPhemzydee) October 1, 2019
However, there are many who, though not happy with the situation of things, still found reasons to celebrate.
I am Proudly Nigerian! So proud to have been born same year as Nigeria, 59 years ago. Our nation shall shine and our sun shall never go down. Congratulations Nigeria, my beloved “twin”, on turning 59. ?????? pic.twitter.com/Scd5R12wbZ
— Akinwumi A. Adesina (@akin_adesina) October 1, 2019
Happy Independence Day from our 3 arms of government. Nigeria is built under the forces of love, harmony and tolerance, this country is here to stay.#NigeriaAt59 pic.twitter.com/RRH9BC1U9r
— Ahmad Idris Abba (@Official__Ahmad) October 1, 2019
No matter our colour, tribe, food, language, we stand as one ?? ????????#HappyIndependanceDay #October1st#IndependenceDay#NigeriaAt59 #TECNOforNigerians pic.twitter.com/d59zQtQbUl
— Giditraffic (@Gidi_Traffic) October 1, 2019
Happy independence day Nigeria!! ????????????????????
Love ❤ and light ✊✊✊#NigeriaAt59 #nigeriaindependence pic.twitter.com/dpaotIbHdq
— Elozonam ⚡?♂️and Diane ? fan page ( #Dialo ?) (@AbabeAndAhalf_) October 1, 2019
And Arsenal came through with the sauce!
Chei! Abeg comot for road!
Today, Nigeria celebrates independence! ??
Best wishes to you, Naija Gooners ??#NigeriaAt59 ?? pic.twitter.com/UwvG1AUj5i
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 1, 2019
Conclusion
Our wish for Nigeria on this day is for a better Police Force, where hardworking young Nigerians are not mistaken for criminals simply because they adorn their heads with dreads, wear tattoos on their body or carry back-packs with laptops and other smart devices.
We wish for a country where there is truly Freedom of Expression (and freedom after expression), where opposition and critics are not intimidated by the “security agencies”.
We wish for a country where Government consults widely with stakeholders before making policies, as most of the recent policies under current administration appear to be lacking just that.
We wish for a country where there is the sincerity of purpose in the fight against corruption, and where technology is used as a tool to drive that.
God Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Happy Independence!
