I AM a Nigerian. I was born a
Nigerian. God made me a Nigerian. I
am proudly Nigerian. No other
country can be home to me. I have
had the opportunity of citizenship
elsewhere in the developed world but
they treated me as second class. I
have travelled around the world.
There is simply no country like Nigeria.

Nigeria is God’s idea. I do not
believe that the British or Lord
Lugard created this nation. Not even
Mrs Lugard who is reputed to have
coined the name Nigeria. They were
all instruments in the hands of God.
Otherwise they could have given us
smaller units like some persons prefer.

The great nations of the world today
are large both in land size and
population. Only few tiny nations are
mentioned when it comes to world
shakers and movers. Nigeria’s large
land-size and huge population is
good for Africa and the world.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant
resources. From crude oil & natural
gas in the delta, tin, iron ore, coal,
limestone, niobium, lead and zinc are
spread across the country. Our vast
arable land is the envy of the world.
Flying across the Sahara and other
deserts of the world, one can only be
amazed at the richness of the giant of
Africa.
The nation’s human resources
scattered around the world
contribute to the development of
many nations of the world. Even the
United States of America’s health &
scientific interventions are manned
by several Nigerians. Many African
nations have their judiciary, military
& police force and other sectors
managed by Nigerians. There is no
university worth its salt in the world
today that does not have Nigerian
academics and students.

And we are a strong happy people.
Since after the civil war, the things
that crush many nations have not
shaken us. Even the individual
Nigerian is strong, resilient, gifted,
hardworking, hopeful and happy.
That is why Nigerians survive both in
the harsh economic realities at home
and some of the most difficult
climates abroad. Perhaps we have
the lowest suicide rate in the world.

The freedom in Nigeria is something
you miss whenever you travel out of
this country. Of course there are
exceptions but that is also the case
even in the world’s best democracies.
We are only human. You could
almost do as you like wherever.
Nigeria has survived over a hundred
years and will continue to survive.
Our existence as an independent
nation is well over fifty years. Our
democracy is now over fifteen years.
We can only do better. Those
calculated prediction that Nigeria will
fail or disintegrate by 2015 will fail.

Splitting this country is not a
solution to our problems. I am from
a minority tribe and the present
arrangement is not favourable to us
as it were but it is better than
fragmenting the country. Left to
ourselves, I do not think that we will
do better. Dog will eat dog. God
forbid. Blood-letting has never been a
solution to the problems of man. Let
us continue to dialogue. Let those
who feel oppressed cry out. And let
the rest of us listen.

Many good things are happening in
Nigeria. Let us emphasis the things
that bind us together and the
beautiful things happening in the
country today. We effectively
managed the Ebola virus disease. We
have some of the most educated
people on earth. Our infrastructures
are improving. Communications and
electricity are doing better than ever.
Our home movies are now world
famous. Our sportsmen are some of
the best in world. In the next thirty
years we would have moved into the
exclusive club of developed nations.

We certainly have challenges as a
nation but we shall overcome. I
believe that lawlessness is the bane
of our country. Let us tackle this issue
from top down and we shall see the
beauty of our country. Whatever our
problems; Corruption, Boko Haram,
Tribalism, Religious extremism and
the likes of them we shall overcome.
Most developed nations passed
through most of these.
And the few bad eggs among us that
give us a bad image would not drown
us. Those involved in the advance fee
fraud and other crimes abroad
should turn a new leaf and contribute
to national development.
Government should continue to
support the anti-graft agencies. Evil
will not prevail over good. We are a
great nation and mainly good people.

I have been treated nicely abroad as
a Nigerian and enjoyed the positive
comments of how resourceful and
capable our people are. I have also
been treated shabbily because of the
negative impressions some
foreigners have about our country.
It’s a mixed bag but I am proudly
Nigerian.

On this occasion of our nation’s
independence anniversary, I wish the
nation and our fellow country-men
happy anniversary celebration. I pray
that things get better for our country
and our people. In my old age, I will
look back and thank the good Lord
for making me a Nigerian!
God bless Nigeria.
From: www.ngrguardiannews.com

I share your sentiments.....Nigeria shall be great