“Nigerians are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves even in all kinds of weather, good and bad when it comes to celebrating their country’s Independence anniversary. EZEKIEL DONTINNA examines the mood of the citizens in Plateau State and the challanges that lay ahead”
THE soul music at every October 1 anniversary rolls in styles, reminding us of the first celebration that ushered in the lowering of the Union Jack and lifting of Nigeria’s flag in 1960.
Although, the journey has not been that smooth, but the display of commitment and resilience have actually brought us this far. Also, the challenges faced along the line in our struggle to the promised land is oblivious to what our achievements are today.
In fact, even with the current security situation we grapple with, thé sharp decline in price of our crude oil, the fall in value of our exchange raté, Covid-19 pandemic, recession and other difficult situations, we found ourselves in, people kept these aside and came out to celebrate this special day in a colorful style on thé Plateau.
Friday October 1, 2021, the popular Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos was full to brim with students trooping from respective schools in their colorful uniforms to celebrate and pray for the soul of their country. Dignitaries, especially the political class and public servants came all out to grace the occasion to prove their love for Nigeria telling the world that despite our challenges, we still stand with our country.
Also, men and officers of various security outfits in the state were not left our in the celebration. They were at the venue earlier before any group colorfully dressed in their uniforms to participate in the parade marking the country’s 61st Independence anniversary.
The venue was filled with the display of both military and para-military professionals which was followed by students/pupils match pass. As usual the Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, stood for hours inspecting as well as taking salute to the admiration of respective Service Commanders of Army, Air Force, Immigration Service, NSCDC, Customs Service among others in the state.
It was quite thrilling to note that, over forty-three (43) primary and secondary Schools were lined up during the match-pass as they displayed one after another. They were mostly drawn from schools within the Northern Senatorial District of the state.
However, while delivering his speech on this memorable day, Governor Simon Bako Lalong, of Plateau State, said, “This is without doubt a special day in the life of our nation as it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our challenges, and project into the future.
“We are all aware that this year’s independence celebration is coming at a time when our nation is going through so many challenges in virtually every sector. This should however not make us despair or lose hope in our country, or ignore the giant strides that have been made over the years.
“On this day therefore, we have to restate our resolve to building a nation where the ideals of our founding fathers will not only prevail, but the major things that enhance our unity and cohesion are emphasized. Nigeria remains a country full of potentials and blessed with so much human and material resources that make it an envy of the world.
“The time has come for us to arise and do everything possible to remove these and other impediments that remain major stumbling blocks for national growth. Everyone, particularly the leadership has a role to play and share in the responsibility for setbacks of the past. This is the time to move ahead and take our destiny into our hands”, he enthused.
Lalong expressed worry that the younger generation who have been so inundated with the prevailing challenges of unemployment; lack of opportunities; violence and insecurity appeared to be losing hope in the nation. The charged them to not be despaired because these challenges would not last forever saying, “No condition is permanent and even the problems of today will be history tomorrow.
“I am therefore very optimistic that we shall not only overcome our challenges, but also become the great nation to be admired and celebrated by the entire world. Even within these current circumstances, there is clearly a huge attraction to our potentials and possibilities. Let us not allow people from outside the country to see the blessings that we have better than we do”, the Governor advised.
Probably, it was because of these wonderful words of encouragement and hope against hope that boosted the moral of these young people on the occasion. It was glaringly seen as they crowded the airspace with cheers and raspberries demonstrating how hopeful and desperate they were to see the face of hope coming in no distant time.
Thereafter, the occasion at the Rwang Pam Stadium, different groups were seen in some public corners adding icing to the celebration. Children were also going house to house entertaining people with different cultural dances. In fact, celebrations went on throughout the weekend. However it is the desire that Nigeria rises again!
