Nigeria’s history of celebrating her Independence Day typically features nationwide parades, a public holiday, loud music, commemorative events and an unmistakable sense of national pride. Although there is still a public holiday each year, and some parades happen in select parts of the country, the overarching sense of pride, the celebratory air of having wrestled freedom away from the British and established a country rich in natural resources, culture and talent, is pretty much gone. In place of that is a looming dread directly brought on by the problematic state of the nation. With an inflation rate of 33.4 percent as recent as July, the weakening national currency is falling so badly that if a Nigerian earned N1 every day for a year, they still couldn’t make the equivalent of $1.
The country is also going through one of its worst economic crises, adding extra dampness to an already demoralized event. Despite all of this, Nigerians have always managed to survive and thrive. Subcultures and prominent socio-cultural movements have found room to grow and have been exported to other parts of the world, and Afrobeats continues to thrive in music scenes around the globe. Despite all of the issues the country faces, there are still many things to be proud of.
OkayAfrica spoke to some Nigerians about the reasons they have to love being Nigerian.
The answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
Mercy Abang, Entrepreneur, 40
Photo courtesy of Mercy Abang.
Mercy Abang loves how Nigerians present themselves to the world.
OkayAfrica: What do you appreciate the most about being Nigerian?
Mercy Abang: This is a fascinating question! Have you had the chance to meet us? Have you observed how we present ourselves to the world? The culture, the cuisine, the fashion, the people—everything about us is vibrant. We laugh heartily and without reservation, and we persist despite the challenges posed by our system and government. The resilience and fighting spirit of the average Nigerian are truly remarkable.
What do you envision for Nigeria’s future?
I hope to see a nation prioritizing accountability to its citizens. There is a pervasive sense of hopelessness, especially among the youth, and we must rejuvenate this spirit and showcase our potential to the world. We must concentrate on establishing robust institutions to ensure Nigeria operates effectively. Our young people must restore their faith in the future, and for truth and justice to prevail. Ultimately, we need to cultivate a nation that we can once again take pride in calling home.
Itty Okim, Media Entrepreneur, 23
Photo courtesy of Itty Okim.
Itty Okim says the #Endsars protest was a proud national moment for him.
What do you appreciate the most about being Nigerian?
Itty Okim: [It] is the fact that regardless of the harsh realities that exist in the country, we try. The people still try to be happy and work to earn a living. Everyone is trying. The fact that we try will always be so beautiful to me.
What’s your fondest memory of living in Nigeria?
My fondest memory of being in Nigeria happens to have happened a few days before my worst memory of being in Nigeria. Just like most other Nigerians my age, the 2020 #EndSARS protests were so remarkable to me. I loved being a part of something bigger than myself, for the good of my country. I remember feeling very giddy seeing protesters work in oneness. It felt so good to be Nigerian until the power-that-be made sure it didn’t.
Deji Osikoya, Creative entrepreneur
Photo courtesy of Deji Osikoya.
Deji Osikoya’s fondest memory of celebrating Independence Day as a child.
What do you like about being Nigerian?
Deji Osikoya: Our humor. It’s very specific and probably necessary for survival.
Do you have a memory of celebrating Independence Day?
Probably as a kid getting to experience an Independence Day parade. Independence days as an adult inspire sober reflection.
What does an ideal Nigeria look like to you?
To me, an ideal Nigeria is a Nigeria with functioning infrastructure and a progressive government with a conscience.
Opeyemi Ademola, Project Manager and Researcher, 27
Photo courtesy of Opeyemi Ademola.
Opeyemi Ademola loves that Nigeria is diverse in various ways.
What do you like about being Nigerian?
Opeyemi Ademola: What I love about being in Nigeria is the ability to compound the importance of languages and how diverse the people are.
What does your ideal future for Nigeria look like?
My ideal future for the country is a space where people can be who they are in peace, love, and a good economy.
Ezinne Ogwumah, Mental Health Advocate, Social Entrepreneur
Photo courtesy of Ezinne Ogwumah.
Ezinne Ogwumah envisions a more united Nigeria.
Where does your sense of national pride come from?
Ezinne Ogwumah: I’ll say my sense of pride largely stems from the show of resilience, creativity and community of Nigerians as a whole. Even if it’s a difficult situation we’re dealing with or in how we celebrate our diverse cultures, it’s always beautiful to be associated with and recognized as Nigerian.
What’s your fondest memory of living in Nigeria?
Definitely the festive periods. Christmas in this context. I’m Igbo so as a child, that tradition of going back to the village, visiting family and friends or even when we get to stay back in the “city”, that magic of how people come together. The music, food, laughter…
There’s this warmth that feels deeply magical that I’ll say is peculiarly Nigerian. Like a unique sense of belonging and connection.
What does an ideal Nigeria look like for you?
I’d love to see true unity in our diversity where every ethnic group feels heard and valued. I’d love to see a thriving economy with equal opportunities for all a strong educational system and better healthcare services. I’d love to see a Nigeria where leadership is accountable and we the citizens are empowered to build the nation we all dream of. A future where safety, peace and prosperity are the norm.