Nigeria we hail thee, our own dear native land, though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all are proud to serve our sovereign Motherland.

Sixty-two years ago, the Nigerian national anthem was changed from the one composed by British colonialists to an indigenous tune. This change gave birth to a new national anthem titled “Arise O’ compatriots”.

Following the nation’s 62nd independence celebration, FIJ spoke with some Nigerians, who, despite the trying times, believe things would surely still get better.

Through their comments, FIJ was able to gather that their hopes, dreams and aspirations for their motherland have not been dashed by current troubles. Interestingly, this set of Nigerians chose to tell their stories of a better future by using the national anthem as their guide.

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While the national anthem was being sung during a special Independence Day service that was held at a new generation church in Shomolu area of Lagos, FIJ observed the high level of passion with which the congregants sang each line.

As the rendition went on, a couple of them could also not hide their emotions just as their level of enthusiasm creeped into their faces, and then their voices.

A SEPTUAGENARIAN WHO STILL REMEMBERS HOW IT ALL STARTED

Florence Adebayo, a 73-year-old congregant, spoke to FIJ with a great deal of pride about the Nigeria she used to know. Vivid emotions fleeted across her face as she remembered the events of October 1, 1960.

“Nigeria was a really good place to live in years back. But, its past ‘goodness’ could largely be attributed to the minimal presence of civilisation years back,” Adebayo said.

“Today, the civilisation we were exposed to has cost us our security. However, and even in its present state, I still love this country very much. What we have now is better compared to the military era.

“It’s just that our leaders have ruined what we have with their desperation to get into offices. I dream of the old Nigeria where we had food to eat, where we lived safely as citizens, where we were free from bandits and terrorism. Things weren’t this bad even under the colonial rule.”

Unconsciously, she remembered the old national anthem and sang it with gusto.

“This country will surely outgrow its challenges one day. I can assure you that, it will get better because God Himself will appoint leaders after His heart. I still strongly believe in Nigeria. We are a blessed country with numerous resources and we have hope to rise again,” Adebayo added after she sang the old anthem.

A MIDDLE-AGED NIGERIAN WITH MIXED FEELINGS

Temitope Oyedare, a dark-skinned middle-aged man with visible streaks of white hair, had his voice quavering as he spoke about the Nigeria of his dreams. He had a faraway look in his eyes as he spoke about the country he had always loved. As he spoke about his hopes for a better Nigeria, he also could not hide his disappointment on how the country had been poorly governed by its leaders, both past and present.

“While we were singing the national anthem, I went through the lyrics word for word. The lyrics reminded me of the passion we had for the country when we were younger,” Oyedare said.

“The anthem reminded me of how much I loved my homeland. But, you know, the love has faded away over time. I have lost the enthusiasm and my hope and love have now been replaced by fear. I will be honest; I used to love this country. The lyric of the national anthem is filled with hope and courage. But our leaders have shattered and dashed our dreams.

“I pray to see a new Nigeria. This is because even when I travel abroad, here is always home. Nigeria is my home. Its love fills me. If only our leaders can sit up to their responsibilities and get it right, we won’t have to run from our home because it is a good place to live in.

“It’s sad that presently, if I am asked to choose between today’s Nigeria and another country out there, I will choose the latter. The truth is, it is now better to be a slave in a fulfilled country where your dreams will be actualised than to be in a place called home, where you don’t have future or any good thing to show for it.”

A NIGERIAN WHO LOVES NIGERIA DESPITE DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Folakemi Irewole-Ojo, a health practitioner, told FIJ that Nigeria was only going through a difficult phase and that she still preferred her green homeland to anywhere else despite having a dual citizenship.

“I love Nigeria, it’s my home, it’s where I can bloom. If I were in another country, I might be relevant but not bloom as much as I am blooming now,” Irewole-Ojo said.

“Sixty-two years ago, a nation was delivered to us. Every country goes through it’s own phase and Nigeria is at that phase. It’s a process we have to go through as a country.

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“The problem with Nigeria’s case is that the hardship has only lingered for too long. We have had to experience Nigeria has a country in the last 62 years. It is, however, not 62 years of rubbish. Rather, it is 62 years of going through stages. I would say we went through teething problems same way a child would when it is delivered.

“I believe there’s so much for us because it’s not like we’ve never had it right. Every nation would teeth and go through its own phases.”