Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and 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

^{My county's anthem immediately after independence in 1960 re-adopted on 29th May 2024.}

My country, Nigeria, gained independence on 1st October 1960 from the British. So, Nigeria marks her independence on every 1st October. This was after several years of colonial rule, which was made legal from 1st January 1914 when the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated by Lord Frederick Lugard, the first colonial Governor-General. According to history, it was Miss Flora Shaw, a British journalist who later became Lugard's wife, who named the country 'Nigeria'.

Many people contributed to the attainment of the country's independence. Some of which were:

• Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe

• Anthony Enahoro

• Chief Obafemi Awolowo

• Sir Tafawa Balewa and the host of others.

These people are important because they portray a symbol of peace and unity. They were very selfless, they all worked for the interest of the nation called Nigeria and for the interests of Nigerians. They weren't hungry and selfish folks who just wanted the best for themselves. No, they were hard-working, they were united, they were the embodiment of true spirit, willing to give their best to their people.

On every independence anniversary in Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives his independence speech to the citizens. It's usually a national broadcast where all TV and radio stations will hook up. Usually by 7am. In their usual speech, it is usually a call for peace and unity in the country.

Apart from that, there's usually a parade and march pass performed by school pupils/students and uniform organisations.

It's usually a day of celebration where the Nigerian flag will be hoisted high with pride, where citizens celebrate their sovereignty from the colonial masters.

There are many reasons why countries should be independent. First is the issue of colonialism. For those countries who were colonised, in one way or the other, experienced or felt the negative buts of it.

• So, countries need to be free from foreign rule and policies.

• They need to choose or adopt a pattern of government that is most suitable for them.

• They need to acquire their country's resources, utilise and manage its effectively for the betterment of the country and its citizens. Though a lot of countries like my country have missed out on the utilisation and management of their resources.

• Countries needs to be recognized in the international community to establish relationship (foreign policy), and to enjoy the immunities clause given to sovereign nations.

I'm inviting
@sbamsoneu
@chant
@xiao-aine

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