Opinion: Happy Birthday Nigeria @65 for resilience and survival inspite of many difficulties

By John Imonbhio Abhuere FNIM

We hereby celebrate our great country – a land of immense wealth and almost limitless opportunities. Nigeria we truly hail thee-even as the dreams, expectations, promises of independence and fervent prayers for a greatness have largely remained unmet , unanswered or unfulfilled.

The noble idea of “brotherhood”, pride in country, truth, justice and peace, a handing a banner without stain to our children and building a peaceful nation where no man/ woman is oppressed” as expressed in our very inspiring National Anthem is still far from being achieved. The failure here stares us all in the face. But weep not Nigeria. It is not your fault that you are yet not at where you ought to be among the comity of Nations.

The fault is ours – your children for failing to do those things that make nations great, that make nations take the front seat in global affairs, for not doing what is preached for instance the national anthem, written in the constitution, who see joy in tribalism, disunity, corruption, insecurity religious antagonism, hatred instead of love, peace , harmony , cooperation, who do region building instead of nation building, who disregard values of patriotism, nationalism, altruism and who delight in doing poor management of resources.

We need self- examination, self cleansing , self correction including the cultivation of positive attitude to Nigeria our home land country. We must not be despondent but resolute to collectively achieve the goal and promises of independence.

Today may be cloudy and wintery through our “fault, most grievous fault, what we have done and failed to do” and pray God for forgiveness with a promise to sin no more. The indices, signs around suggest bright light in the tunnel. They show that our tomorrow is bright and sunny.

We have much cause to celebrate our great and beautiful country Nigeria for her resilience and survival and opportunities ahead. We Hail Thee Nigeria and wish you a very, very Happy Birthday @65 and pray God for many more returns of the day. Let’s Hail Nigeria with renewed faith, belief, love and diligent commitment to her unity, development and progress now and always .As they say in the NYSC Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve under the sun, (moon and stars) or in the rain. Let’s continue with this noble spirit as we sing or recite our very Inspiring National Anthem:
“Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed”
Happy Birthday Nigeria, and do have a great day
Hip- hip- hip Hurray, Hooray Nigeria
1st October 2025.

*Prof. Abhuere FNIM, Centre for Child Care & Development, Abuja