Nigerian National Anthem And Pledge

Salute to you all my brethren!

UP UP NIGERIA. MAY GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

Just as a follow up to my previous post on the topic of  ("Nigeria Calls": Arise O Compatriots; Nigeria's Call Obey), I feel the need to post this challenge for us all to share with the whole universe.

What does the National Anthem of Nigeria mean for you? Do you know it by heart? How about the National Pledge? Likewise? Would it not benefit us all if we learn both by heart and teach them to our family members (children and all)? A nation begins and is sustained with the patriotism of the citizenry. As with when reading a love poem, the National Anthem and Pledge are well focused to bind us together in unity. This must begin with our commitment to taking responsibility and ownership (not by force; but by choice and good sense).

I believe we shall do well to remember the words and reflect on them in all we think, speak and or do. A sense of belonging and patriotism is not something that any government can force on any citizen. Whether a government is good or bad should not destroy any citizen's stake in the nation. The identity of any citizen is rooted in the national statement(s) of identity. I am a Nigerian means a lot to me and I choose to know what binds us together; i.e. the National Anthem and Pledge.

Many of us out in the diaspora now have to learn the national identities of (and make some kind of commitment to) our host nations. We do this out of choice we may say; but in fact, many of us will not do so unless it is enforced. Some of us did not have to, but things are fast changing. Then, how about our fatherland, Nigeria?

We all have a civic responsibility; not to the government in essence, but to the Nation. Our primary allegiance is to the Nation, Nigeria. I must say that our duties then of course include to be a good citizen and ambassador; this includes being loyal to the nation and to the government of the day in all the positive agenda. We would naturally have concerns which we must vent in a civil and lawful way. This is a godly order and elements of this can be found in a democratic setting.

I do not suggest that any government is perfect; neither is any system of governance perfect. I am saying that we must not allow ourselves to get carried away and derailed from the need for the best interests of Nigeria to prevail in all we think, speak and or do.

I urge that we make a new and concerted effort to renew our interest in Nigeria, commitment to Nigeria, hope for Nigeria etc. in such a way as to once again fully respect our Nigeria and be willing and ready to honour our Nigeria by renewing and rebuilding our trust and hope and commitment to our National Anthem, Pledge and pride with regard to this Nigeria.

I hope you enjoy and feel proud of this reminder. It is not intended to ridicule, undermine or confront you; it is borne of an excitement within me that I am sharing for all who are keen to see a New Nation of Nigeria thrive, prosper and succeed in my lifetime in an ever changing world.

Only we can make our nation great. Let us join hands together and rebuild a sustainable Nigeria for the sake of all.

UP UP NIGERIA. MAY GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

Peace.

Written by Prophet Folayan Osekita MBA.

NB.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

     Arise, O compatriots,
     Nigeria's call obey
     To serve our fatherland
     With love and strength and faith
     The labor of our heroes past
     Shall never be in vain
     To serve with heart and might
     One nation bound in freedom,
     Peace and unity.

     Oh God of creation,
     Direct our noble cause
     Guide our leaders right
     Help our youths 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 shall reign.

THE 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.

Sorry, I know this topic is old, but I was googling up Nigeria's National Anthem and this page came up as a link.

I was helping my son with his english home work, topic was comparisons and simile,
we got to "As familiar as the _____ " and I asked him and his mother to take turn to recite the two National Anthems and Pledge, which they all fell short of a word or two for mum, and a laughing galore for my son, in the middle of the fun was a reflection on the wordings, which made me emotional and almost wept for our dear nation, Nigeria. Our selfish instead of selfless leaders and we the people uhmm!!!, do we all remember these words and reflect on them daily?

Maybe if we do, we might have a better Nigeria, ^{just me thinking aloud now}

It is well, I celebrated Democracy day without power (light/nepa), was on gen all day.

"Great lofty heights can never be attain"  by burning money on fuel for gen 24/7

or when you are rendered useless all day cos of power.

I don't know if our leaders don't understand the word "POWER". Power, powers' all thing, without it, uhmmm!!!