Nigeria at 60: What makes this a nation?

It is not so bad if things are challenging now with a prospect of things getting better in the future, as well as an idea of a plan to get there, at the very least. However, can we come together as a people to ensure our success and progress as a nation? That would be the defining factor in the future history of this country.

A NATION is a group of people who share the same culture, language, institutions, religion, and history. Nationalism refers to feelings of pride citizens have toward their nation and their loyalty in defending it, militarily or otherwise. National symbols such as flags promote nationalism, as well as celebrations of important holidays, like Independence Day, or Democracy Day in Nigeria.

A nation is a result of the various elements that connect the people inside it. Briefly, for the sake of clarity, the main difference between a country and a nation is that in the definition of country, there is the established political element to it, such concepts like sovereignty, government, and legislature.

IN this piece, we shall be exploring only the concept and relevance of a nation, even as we look forward to commemorating 60 years of being Nigeria.

I try to imagine what it felt like to be in Nigeria or to be a Nigerian on October 1, 1960.

This day was envisaged for a very long time before it came. Visioning a time when we would be able to govern ourselves, when we would start to be fully responsible for the exploration, utilisation, and distribution of our own resources. When we would enter into the exclusive and ever-widening club of countries that had their independence and sovereignty, when we will be able to chart our path on the international stage, displaying to the entire world what we are about, and what we can contribute globally. It would have been a moment of absolute pride, joy, and happiness for the entire country, irrespective of whatever tribe we represent individually. We were being given a clean slate, to be whoever we wanted to be.

I read the speeches of two men who worked very hard in ensuring our independence, and leading us through that transition period — Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Governor-General of the country at the time, and Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister. In both of their speeches, there was a declaration of victory, an air of excitement and hope, and a call to unity and progress. They wanted Nigeria to be not just a sovereign, but to be a nation with a united front willing to build on the past to conquer the future. They wanted Nigeria to be a nation.

That was 1960. This is 2020.  Is Nigeria truly a nation?

HAVING gone through that short political science lecture in the first segment of this piece, even the biggest optimist would struggle to proclaim that we are indeed a nation. What do we have in common? Are we united? Do we share the same culture, practices or believe in our history? Do we present a united front? Even for those living abroad, where coexisting could be key to thriving, do we see that togetherness? In a country with such diversity in culture, ethos, opinion and religion, is there a proportional representation at every level of government and leadership? Do we have a sense of pride towards our country, and a fierce loyalty towards defending it? Am I proud to be a Nigerian?

Living outside Nigeria, I cannot count the number of times Nigerians have complained, insulted or regretted the fact that they are Nigerian. Stating that they would give up their Nigerian passports in a heartbeat for the chance to be part of any country where there is perceived to be a better chance of survival and success, where they can raise children with access to education good enough to compete globally. I would never condemn my country openly or publicly, but I am not oblivious of the challenges we face in the country, the hardships people face because they are from a different tribe or ethnic group.

I am aware of them, and have even suffered from this at some point in time, even on many occasions seeing people close to me repeatedly denied positions in politics or in the civil service, just because of where they are from, or entire geopolitical regions denied adequate financial resources, just because they are not the demographic in power.

On the plus side, after 60 years, we are still a country living in the same geographical area. We have had a civil war that did not tear the country apart. We have successfully transitioned from oppressive military rule to a democratic government. Even though it might be at a slow pace, gradually modern infrastructure is being set out in place to keep us somewhat relevant. It is worth reminding ourselves that many other established countries had to deal with these growing pains or even worse, and though we are not where we want to be, we are somewhat forward.

So, are we a nation of people? Yes, we are. Are we as a nation doing as well as we would want to do? Most definitely not. Is there a potential for growth and development? That is the biggest issue. It is not so bad if things are challenging now with a prospect of things getting better in the future, as well as an idea of a plan to get there, at the very least. However, can we come together as a people to ensure our success and progress as a nation? That would be the defining factor in the future history of this country.

We are 60 now, and if we want to see another 60, things cannot continue as they are now. A system and people cannot thrive like this. It has to be a collective statement of intent, it has to be a united front, and there must be a joint commitment to achieving each of the goals set out.

People, we cannot give up on Nigeria.

It is a bad situation, Yes, but it is nothing compared to what happens if we truly stopped caring. We set out to be a nation. That was the right idea. We have to see it through. Otherwise, forget the next 60 years. We might not see the next 10. No matter what you’ve heard or want to believe, I can guarantee you that the only way we survive is together. As one nation.

Happy Independence Nigeria.

Ms. Obioyen works in life sciences for a multinational company in Budapest. She can be reached at  [email protected]