Happy and Independent!

“Happy Independence Day!” A two-year-old smiled at me and, in his not-so-clear baby language, greeted me. “Oh, wow, even you?” I thought to myself. “What do you know, little one?” As a Nigerian, you would hear this same phrase all day, every 1st of October, chorused by almost everyone you encounter. Some learn to quickly move on after receiving such greetings because, more often than not, that good cheer was merely the prelude to a long, winding lament. What followed was usually a series of complaints about how dire things still were, even after all these years of independence.

It always made me question if the word “Happy” was just a formality, a cliché we clung to. After all, if it truly were a “happy” Independence Day, why was there so much gloom in the air?

It seems like everyone is eager to wish each other a happy Independence Day—whether out of hope or just as part of the tradition. I had to reflect: does our happiness really depend solely on the economic situation? If that were the case, we’d be in serious trouble, given the dismal news we hear every day. That suggests our happiness has to come from something deeper. Many people find joy from sources that go beyond the current state of the country, drawing on personal connections, resilience, and other aspects of life.

True strength must come from an unshakable source, one beyond external circumstances like the economy. It must be anchored in something that doesn’t waver. An example is that of the Samaritan woman in the bible, John 4:5-30, who had five husbands and was with one who wasn’t hers. Though she might have told herself she was content, perhaps even appearing outwardly happy, she wasn’t truly independent or fulfilled. It wasn’t until her encounter with Jesus that she faced the truth about her situation and found real transformation.

While we aren’t pleased with the current state of our country, Nigerians are known for their resilient hope. We smile in the face of hardship, remain hopeful when everything seems bleak, and hold on to God, praying for a truly great nation no matter where we are in the world.

As we continue to work, pray, and hope for a better Nigeria, let us draw our strength from God, who holds our lives in His hands. Let us cherish the company of friends and family, and express love and kindness to one another. Only then can we say we are truly independent and happy.

And as Christians, we are reminded to call those things which are not as though they were. We desire a happy, independent Nigeria, so we declare it in faith!

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