₦airaland Forum

The above topic is spectacular and broad. When such topic is mention, it arouses two questions in our minds, they are:
1.What is a country, and
2.How can one understand a country?

A country is an area of land that has its own government and laws (Oxford Dictionary). In this context, Nigeria is the country of subject.
One can understand a country by giving a careful attention and analysis to some of the major intellectual components of the country. The components include Anthem, Pledge, Creed, Emblem and every other feature that promotes the sovereignty of the state both locally and in the International scene.
In this regard, we will be studying some major components or words in our National Anthem.
In our National Anthem, we take a great oath, which we have not allocated time ro give consideration in understanding the meaning of some of he words in the Anthem and the power in them. These words have so many impacts on our lives as Nigerians that if we make out time to carefully listen, understand and adhere to them, there will be a revolution in our personal lives which will positively transform our attitudes towards the Nation.
The powerful words in our Anthem are listed and briefly explained below:

1.OBEY: Obey is mentioned in the second line of our National Anthem. This is the act of submitting totally to your country whenever you are called upon to for an endeavor. It is an act of obedience and sacrifice for National development.
2.SERVE: This is another act of submission in service to your Fatherland at all level. In doing so, sincerity, commitment and consistence are paramount to such cause for practical service, and it should be whole-heartedly.
3.LOVE: This isabove all. Love your neighbours as you love yourself. It helps to push the Nation forward. There can never be progress in a Nation where its citizens do not love themselves.
4.STRENGTH: This is an act of using all you possess in human, gift and personal skill in order to work with your fellow country patriots for National benefits.
5.FAITH: This is a strong believe or confidential assurance of your Hope for the country, even when there is no evidence.
6.HOPE: Like faith, means believing things will get better in the face of severe National turbulence.
7.LABOUR: Labour means work. After putting to consideration the work it took our HEROES past to build our Nation, we also must work very hard to maintain and sustain our Nation's sovereignty and integrity.
8.HEART: This implies that the service our Nation deserves from us is a service from the heart. A service from the heart is a selfless-service.
9.MIGHT: The word 'might' as used in the National Anthem means strength or power. It has the same reflection of strength as explained above.
10.FREEDOM: This simoly is a state of being at liberty to eat, live, wear and do any thing wished as long as it is according to stipulated laws. Since we are all free, we must not restrict another person's freedom in any guise.
11.PEACE: This means absence from anxiety or freedom from war of any kind. Daily, we must ensure we are agents and ambassadors of Peace for National Development.
12.UNITY: The unity of this Nation lies in the hands of no man, as such no man can destroy it. We must strife to remain Brothers and Sisters always irrespective of Religious, Political, Ideological differences.

In our next publication, we'll look at the National Pledge. Put these components into practise. There is no limit to the level you can understand your country.
When you add up the above mentioned and practise them, you become a patriotic citizen.