Very few persons will ever have the privilege of witnessing surreal ingenuity as magnificent as the silver bullet to national malformation. Jodi Picoult, the American wannabe pessimist once claimed that “…There are no silver bullets in life, there’s just the long, messy climb out of the pit you’ve dug yourself.” But even Auntie Jodi would be enthralled to live in the same era as the wise men in two chambers who have discovered Nigeria’s short walk to freedom.
In the very unlikely event that you are not keeping up with the legislators, you should know that Nigeria’s federal legislators are on the verge of returning Nigeria to its initial national anthem. In the smartest of moves, honourable members of the House of Representatives and distinguished senators realised that Nigeria has been held back for decades by an uninspiring anthem. Hence, the urgent need to progress to ancient times. Recognising the urgency of the matter, the bill was rushed through both chambers to ensure no detractor blocks the African Giant from deploying this silver bullet.
Let me guess that right now you might be wondering if the legislators do not have anything useful to help with addressing alleged socioeconomic difficulties facing Nigerians. Such a thought would stem from a debilitating inability to recognise greatness. Remember what Jesus said about a person who finds treasure in a field? The haste with which that person stakes everything to buy the field is just the same way our legislators, having discovered the holy grail to our problems, are expediting action to have the magic words on the lips of every Nigerian.
Who is better to sing the words and transform Nigeria than the 88% of Nigerians born after 1978 when the misguided switch to “Arise O Compatriots!” was made. If Nigeria’s youthful population from different tribes and tongues struggle to hail their dear native land, the older legislators can join the less than 5% of Nigerians alive who sang the anthem in their childhood to teach the youths. After all, nostalgic magic is what this country desperately needs at this time.
Some persons who have studied too much unhelpful books may wear foreign suits and mouth some stuff about change management. But really, what is there to change? This is a correction, not a change! Nigeria urgently needs a silver bullet, so it is unpatriotic to be asking about stakeholder engagement or other Western, faux democratic concepts in a desperate time. The 99.99% of Nigerians who lack the grace to see this wisdom would fall in line once the anthem is repeated monotonously in every public function. You see, unlike Obafemi Awolowo University where the students stubbornly chant “Great Ife! Great Ife!”, while refusing to learn the official school anthem, the Government has every tool to make loyal choristers out of all Nigerians.
We need to end this article, but I cannot help but wonder how Uncle Benedict Odiase of the Nigeria Police Force would feel about the words he arranged for use in 1978. Uncle Ben thought he was banishing the ghosts of colonialism, but the Brits laugh last because once again their women win. Like Auntie Flora gave Nigeria its name, Aunties Lilian and Frances return in 2024 to unveil a nation where with peace and plenty, Nigeria shall be blessed.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
PS: If you don’t speak fluent sarcasm, we recommend signing up for my class
Image Credit: Cover image generated by AI (WordPress tool)
| 1960 Anthem | 1978 Anthem |
| Nigeria we hail thee Our own dear native land Though tribes and tongue may differ In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, are 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 shall be blessed. | Verse 1: Arise, O Compatriots Nigeria’s call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might, One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Verse 2: Oh God of creation, Direct our noble cause Guide thou our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. |
Jilomes 