Nigeria Speaks @ 50 ***dedicated To Nigeria Poem by Oyelakin Gbolahan

They said I can’t cry, but I cried;
They said I can’t move, but I moved;
They said I can’t fight, but I fought and won;
I won and INDEPENDENCE was my reward.
They said I can’t stand, but I stood tall to become the PRIDE OF AFRICA.
They said I can’t run, but I ran to survive.
I have been running for 50 years now,
Passing on the baton from one generation to another.
I was born with a vision of unity and faith, peace and progress;
Joined together in a connection with three resilient cords;
Forged at inception in the furnace of freedom, justice and truth;
Led in the direction of brotherhood and patriotism;
But, alas! Swayed by greed and nepotism
That breeds insatiable corruption;
And trusted in the illusion of pains;
I am Nigeria.

These raised a tension of separation,
An insurrection towards disintegration;
A digression that caused a national or federal dilapidation.
Yes, I am Nigeria.

My diversity is not equipoise to division,
It’s a divine design of beauty that generations will celebrate.
Though, the journey so far may call for sober reflection,
Rather than extravagant celebrations and attractions.
I will mention a suggestion,
Motion re-direction,
An illustration beyond imagination –
First, adoration to “Awimayehun”, the One that has the final say;
For His protection as a nation despite the turbulent past race.
Then, to consider the only option for a hopeful succession,
Makes the imitation of Christ indispensable.
This is communication of love.
Through communication of love,
Intuition of hope will be re-awaken in us,
Appreciable proportion of desirable change we shall get.
A golden rule everyone must allow to rule.

Imagine Nigeria with fully equipped, well funded schools (education system) – POSSIBLE!
Imagine Nigeria without potholes at intervals on highways – POSSIBLE!
Without traffic jams due to defiance, irresponsible leadership or above-the-law syndrome – POSSIBLE!
Without police checkpoints turning to toll gates and other checkpoint corruptions – POSSIBLE!
Without electoral violence, manipulation and mega-disenfranchisement – POSSIBLE!
Imagine Nigeria where electors vote and the votes of electorates count – POSSIBLE!
Imagine Nigeria with leaders having the fear of God and servant’s hearts – POSSIBLE!
With 400kmph metro lines in major cities and Nigerian Railways absolutely revamped – POSSIBLE!
With rural areas transformed to cities and cities to Mega-cities – POSSIBLE!
With a growing well-serviced world class economy – POSSIBLE!
With people bounded by brotherly love and united as one – POSSIBLE!
With an identity that generations yet unborn will be proud of – POSSIBLE!

All of these call out to a duo; You and I.
You and I to be the change we want to see in Nigeria;
You and I to arise and build a nation we dream for our children,
And children’s children.
You and I to begin to live for the truth, loving one another.
You and I are the hope of change in Nigeria.
You and I can make change possible in Nigeria.
No one will build Nigeria,
Nigeria will be built by Nigerians –
Nigerians like You and I!

God Bless Nigeria! God Bless You All! !
Happy 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration.