Recently updated on February 15th, 2022 at 05:12 am
How Great Is Nigeria! By Udeme Akpan
Arise o compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey… This is the first two lines of the National Anthem of my beloved country, Nigeria. Those words always brighten up my spirit whenever I voice it out or hear a beautiful harmonics of its song being played. I can still remember when I was a child battling with my pharynx in order to master and memorize each lines in its stanzas. Today, those words in the whole anthem planted seeds in my heart that have grown continually and built up patriotism in me which binds Nigerians all over the world.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign and democratic nation located in West Africa. She shares land borders with the republic of Benin in the West, chad and Cameroon in the East, and Niger in the North. Its coast in the south lies on the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. This is Africa’s most populated country, as well as the 8th most populated in the world with a populated of over 160 million people. Nigeria is a developing country that struggled through the colonial era, got her independence in 1960 and later became a republic in 1963. All hail this great nation!
The history of Nigeria cannot be complete without the inclusion of the colonial era, which was led by the British Empire. We can never forget those fellow compatriots that were sold for slavery far abroad the shores of the nation. The colonial period lasted from 1900 to 1960, after which Nigeria gained her independence. All thanks to our legendary heroes that fought for our our cause and achieved sovereignty. “The labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain…” This was our first act of greatness: she conquered her colonial masters and gained independence. Nigeria is 57 years. Hurray!
Basically, her rich and fertile land is one of the reasons the colonial masters came across our shores. Nigeria is rich in food and mineral resources, this reflects in her national flag as colour GREEN- which represents the fertile land of Nigeria. Her oil and gas reserves makes it the third (3rd) highest producer in Africa and 8th in the world. Also her cash crops produce (cocoa, cowpea, kola, groundnut, etc) cannot be underestimated. Its soil also consists of a whole lot of mineral resources like Coal, Bitumen, Iron ore, gypsum, gold, lead/zinc and Kaolin etc. Altogether, these resources contributes to approximately more than 85% of her national income/revenue. Moreover, the land also houses many beautiful reliefs and topography which creates avenues for tourism. Her tourist’s attractions are Obudu Ranch (Calabar), Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi), Zuma Rock (Abuja) and the Confluence (Lokoja) etc. These tourist centres welcomes people of various race into our shores. All hail this Sovereign Motherland!
Moreover, this country is not only blessed with a rich soil/land, but inhabit a grate set of people rich in diverse culture and tradition. Nigeria consist of over 250 ethnic group and tribes with Christianity and Islam as the main religion her rich culture diversity make it a home for all. This is also reflected by the WHITE colour of the national flag representing the peace of the nation.
“…one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity…”
This great nation also breed talents, potentials, leaders and pace-setters which supremely produces high-fliers in all aspects of life (Academics, Art, Business, Sports, Governance and Entertainment etc). for instance Mr Aliko Dangote (Business Icon), Prof. Wole Soyinka (Nobel laureate winner in literature), Prof. Chike Obi (Mathematics PhD), Chief Emeka Anyaoku (first Secretary-General of Commonwealth),Mrs. Chioma Ajunwa (Olympic Gold medalist in athletics), Mr. Kanu Nwankwo (football icon), Agbani Darego (miss world 2001) and Innocent Idibia- Tuface (Musical Icon) etc. “… O God of Creation, direct our noble cause, guide our leaders right…”
Furthermore, the rich content of Nigeria- fertile soil, diverse cultures and pacesetters etc, gives her the grace to interrelate and cordially coexist with other great nations around the world. A country’s greatness means nothing if her glory is not appreciated globally. In the spirit of unionism and teamwork, Nigeria is a member of some vital world unions like Commonwealth, United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) etc. She joins with other countries in order to make the world a better place. “… to serve with heart and might…”
Nigeria’s greatness is beautifully reflected from the dark shadows of the past, gently radiates through the battles of the present and shines for the hope of the future. Despite her challenges/ menace, inter-tribal differences and religious conflicts/divisions the country still exists in peace and unity. There is no country in the world that does not have a bright and dark side; but how to manage your challenges shows how great you are. How great Nigeria is, cannot be absolutely ascertained because she has not reached her peak. You and I need to join hands together to make our nation greater irrespective of our ethnic, tribal, cultural and religious differences.
“…great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice reigns.”
God Bless Nigeria!
Udeme Akpan
I possess a first degree in Petroleum Engineering from University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State. I am melancholic in temperament. I enjoy creative writing, playing lawn tennis, travelling, researching and cooking.
