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Each year, as Nigeria’s Independence Day approaches, I look forward to joining the celebrations and posting with pride. I want to say with full voice, “Happy Independence Day!” and cheer for my homeland.

But this year, I hesitated. Nigeria is in trying times – politically, socially, and economically. There’s unrest, uncertainty, and deep frustration in so many areas of life. The reality of where we are, for many, is tough to reconcile with the hopeful vision of what we could be.
Yet, as I paused to reflect, I found myself smiling, remembering the greatness that exists in Nigeria and, more importantly, in Nigerians. There’s something extraordinary about the resilience and brilliance of my people.

“It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.” – Nelson Mandela

What I Celebrate about Nigeria:

When I think of Nigeria, I don’t just think of the trials we face; I think of the spirit and character of every Nigerian I’ve had the privilege to know, the role models who shaped my journey -even if only from a distance – and the countless people whose stories continue to inspire me. I think of:

• The people: From my parents, who instilled in me values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance, to the incredible teachers who pushed me to strive for excellence in primary and secondary school.
• The friendships: I remember the deep relationships I have with my primary and secondary school classmates, bonds that have stood the test of time and distance. Those early friendships taught me what community means: showing up, laughing, supporting, and, yes, challenging one another to be better.
• The joy of family: My Naija Mummy, Mama Sunday and the ones I care for back home, who remind me that no matter where I am in the world, home is never far away. The hailing and the prayers Mama Sunday sends to me via Whatsapp – that have me feeling invincible.
• The spirit: That unbridled happiness I feel every time I step off that airplane each year and reconnect with the essence of Nigeria – in the banter, in the colors, in the playful teasing (the “yabs”), and in the essence of being “oyibo” once again.

It’s moments like these that remind me that while we may not be perfect, we are amazing and our imperfections are part of what make us resilient.
Resilience in Imperfection

We’re a people who keep pushing forward despite the odds. We may stumble, but we get up. We keep our humor, our joy, and our pride even in the face of adversity. And that’s what I choose to celebrate.

“However long the night, the dawn will break.” – African Proverb

I love birthdays and I celebrate the hell out of them! Because beyond recognising our achievements, birthdays are also about acknowledging that we’re still here.

We’ve weathered storms, we’ve survived, and we continue to fight for a better tomorrow.

So, belated though it may be here. We celebrated and we celebrate:

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

We are still here. We are still resilient. And we are still striving.

You are EVERYTHING. And wherever I am, I carry you with me. I will not bite the fingers that fed me because, no matter what, we’re in this together.

“Naija no dey carry last!” 💪🏽